Real Estate Commission Splits: Everything Agents Need to Know

If you’re like most agents, diving into the details of your real estate agent commission splits might not be as thrilling as closing a big sale, but getting it right can make all the difference in your paycheck. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer hustling to make your mark, understanding how your hard-earned cash is divided between you and your broker is crucial. So, let’s break down the nuts and bolts of real estate commission splits. 

How Is the Real Estate Commission Split?

Real estate commission is a key real estate term that refers to the fee paid to real estate agents for their services in facilitating the sale or lease of a property. Commissions are typically an agent’s primary source of income and are earned through the sale, purchase, or leasing of properties.

 Commission split between agents in the transaction: The total commission is usually a percentage of the sale price or rental fee, agreed upon in the listing agreement between the seller or landlord and the listing broker. This percentage can vary significantly based on location, property type, market conditions, and the type of transaction, usually ranging from 2% to 6% for sales and often one month’s rent for leases. The commission split agreement between agents varies depending on the listing agent’s agreement with the seller.

Example calculation: 

Sale price of the home: $500,000 Total commission rate: 6%

Step 1: Calculate the total commission 

Total Commission = Sale Price x Commission Rate

Total Commission = $500,000 x 6% = $30,000

Step 2: Divide the commission between the listing and the buyer agents

Assume the commission is split equally between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent.

Commission per Agent = $30,000 / 2 = $15,000

Commission split with brokerage after the transaction: After this initial commission split agreement between buyer and seller agents of the total commission, each agent further divides their share of the commission with their respective brokerages. This real estate agent commission split with brokers will occur according to their contract terms. These brokerage splits can also vary widely and are influenced by factors such as the agent’s sales volume, experience, and negotiated terms with the brokerage.

Example calculation: Adding to the example calculation above and assuming the agent has a 70/30 split agreement with their brokerage: 

Agent’s share: 70% Brokerage’s share: 30%

Step 1: Calculate agent earnings

Agent’s Earnings = Total Commission x Agent’s Share 

Agent’s Earnings = $15,000 x 70% = $10,500

Step 2: Calculate brokerage earnings

Brokerage’s Earnings = Total Commission x Brokerage’s Share 

Brokerage’s Earnings = $15,000 x 30% = $4,500

Commission split chart showing how the commission of $300,000 home is split between agents and brokerages.

Side note: Dual agency can occur when a single agent represents the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. In such cases, the agent involved does not need to split the commission with another agent. This type of agency can increase the earnings for the agent, as they retain the full commission agreed upon in the listing agreement. However, you must disclose the dual agency to all parties. You also must have the explicit consent of both buyer and seller in writing, as it can raise concerns about conflicts of interest and the agent’s ability to negotiate fairly on behalf of both clients. 

Types of Real Estate Commission Splits

Real estate agent commission splits determine how earnings from property transactions are divided between agents and their brokerages. These splits can vary significantly, reflecting different business models and individual agreements, and play a crucial role in shaping a real estate agent’s salary, financial success, and career satisfaction. 

Each split model has benefits and challenges for real estate agents tailored to fit various experience levels, performance, and market conditions. Here are some common types of commission splits that agents encounter in the industry:

  • Fixed percentage splits: This is one of the most straightforward models where the real estate agent and the brokerage split the commission based on a fixed percentage agreed upon in advance. Common splits include 50/50, 60/40, or 70/30, where the agent receives 60%, 70%, or more, depending on the agreement with their brokerage.
  • Graduated splits: In this model, the split percentage changes based on performance criteria such as sales volume or revenue milestones. For example, an agent might start the year at a 50/50 split but could move up to 60/40 after achieving a certain level of sales, providing an incentive to exceed sales targets.
  • Cap system: Some brokerages implement a cap system, requiring agents to contribute a set amount of their commissions to the brokerage until they reach a predetermined cap within a year. Once agents reach the cap, they may keep 100% of their yearly commissions. This model is particularly appealing to high-performing agents.
  • 100% commission plan: Under this plan, agents pay a flat fee to their brokerage per transaction or a monthly office fee instead of splitting the commission. This structure allows agents to keep all the commissions they earn, which can be highly beneficial for agents with substantial sales volumes.
  • Team splits: Agents should understand how real estate teams split commissions before agreeing to join. Often used in team settings, this split involves distributing the commission among multiple team members, including the lead agent, junior agents, and sometimes administrative staff, based on their roles and contributions to the transaction.  

Who Pays the Commission?

Steps of how commissions get paid to real estate agents.

The seller typically pays the commission in sales transactions. This arrangement is agreed upon when the seller signs a contract with a real estate broker during the listing process. The agreement stipulates that a specific percentage of the sale price will be allocated to the real estate agent or broker as a commission. This commission is shared between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent according to the pre-established commission split.

Agents should understand that although the seller pays the commission, the funds come from the buyer’s purchase price. Thus, the buyer indirectly contributes to the commission through the overall price of the property. This understanding can influence how agents approach negotiations and explain the process to their clients.

The payment structure in rental transactions can vary. The landlord usually pays the commission, often equivalent to one month’s rent. However, if a landlord does not offer a commission or it is lower than usual, tenants may be required to pay directly for the agent’s services. This scenario is more common in competitive markets or high-end rentals where personalized service is a significant aspect of the rental process.

How to Negotiate Your Commission Split

Once agents complete their real estate license and seek out a brokerage, they will receive an independent contractor agreement outlining their duties, responsibilities, and the specifics of their commission splits. As you excel in your career, you can negotiate this agreement to reflect your growing expertise, higher sales volumes, and enhanced market knowledge.

Screenshot of a commission agreement document
Commission agreement example (Source: Signaturely)

The real estate agent commission split with a broker significantly determines your income. Negotiating a favorable real estate agent commission split can substantially boost your earnings, allowing you to better reap the rewards of your hard work. Many agents will switch real estate brokerages if they feel their current terms do not adequately compensate them for their efforts. 

Negotiating terms with your brokerage isn’t just about demanding more—it’s about demonstrating your value, understanding the business norms, and crafting a proposal that aligns your interests with your brokerage’s. Here are strategies to help you effectively negotiate better terms with your brokerage:

  • Know your worth: Before entering negotiations, assess your performance metrics, such as sales volume, gross commission income, customer satisfaction ratings, and contributions to the brokerage. Solid evidence of your success strengthens your case for a higher commission split.
  • Understand market standards: Research the typical commission splits offered by other brokerages in your area. Knowing the industry standard gives you a baseline for negotiations and can help you argue for a competitive rate. Frequently, you will find many real estate agents have real estate side hustles in these down markets to supplement their income. This approach helps stabilize their earnings during slower periods and broadens their skill set. 
  • Build a strong case: Prepare to present a clear and compelling argument to your broker. Highlight your achievements, continuous professional development, and how you’ve added value to the brokerage. Be specific about your goals and how a better split will motivate you to work even harder.
  • Consider timing: Timing can be crucial. Approach your broker about a better split during times of success, like closing a big deal or surpassing your sales targets. Alternatively, annual reviews are natural times for such discussions.
  • Offer solutions: Be prepared to offer solutions that benefit both the brokerage and you. For instance, propose a graduated split that increases as you hit higher sales targets or suggest taking on additional responsibilities in exchange for a higher split.
  • Practice negotiation skills: Effective communication is key in negotiations. Practice your negotiating techniques, possibly with a mentor or colleague. Being calm, clear, and professional during these discussions can lead to more favorable outcomes.
  • Be ready to compromise: While you should aim for the best possible terms, prepare yourself to find a middle ground. If a higher split is off the table, consider other benefits such as marketing support, leads, or better operational tools.
  • Get everything in writing: Once you reach an agreement, document all details. This step protects both you and the brokerage and clarifies the terms of the new agreement.

What Factors Can Affect Commission Income? 

This commission rate varies significantly depending on geographical location and property type. For instance, in some cities, sellers might pay as little as 4% in realtor fees, while in others, the rates can climb to 7% for residential properties and even up to 10% for commercial real estate.

Location plays a critical role in determining commission rates in the real estate industry. Market conditions, average property values, and local competition all influence how much agents can charge for their services. Due to higher agent competition, commission rates might be lower in bustling urban centers. 

In contrast, higher rates may prevail in rural areas due to fewer transactions and the need for more extensive marketing efforts. Understanding the nuances of your local market is essential for setting realistic commission expectations and negotiating effectively with clients and brokerages.

Average Real Estate Commissions Across the U.S. 

Understanding the typical commission rates in the real estate market is crucial for agents to know what is a good commission split in real estate. Then, they can set competitive and realistic expectations for their earnings. The average real estate commission in the United States is between 5% and 6% of the property’s sale price, typically split between the buyer’s agent and the listing agent.  

State Average Commission Rates State Average Commission Rates
Alabama 5.52% Montana 5.67%
Alaska 4.99% Nebraska 5.71%
Arizona 5.68% Nevada 5.08%
Arkansas 5.72% New Hampshire 5.19%
California 5.14% New Jersey 5.17%
Colorado 5.58% New Mexico 5.83%
Connecticut 5.38% New York 4.66%
DC 5.3% North Carolina 5.56%
Delaware 5.18% North Dakota 6.0%
Florida 5.53% Ohio 5.81%
Georgia 5.84% Oklahoma 5.63%
Hawaii 5.39% Oregon 5.43%
Idaho 5.69% Pennsylvania 5.44%
Illinois 5.29% Rhode Island 4.86%
Indiana 6.08% South Carolina 5.94%
Iowa 6.15% South Dakota 6.0%
Kansas 5.8% Tennessee 5.8%
Kentucky 5.69% Texas 6.0%
Louisiana 5.2% Utah 5.39%
Maine 6.0% Vermont 6.0%
Maryland 5.46% Virginia 5.58%
Massachusetts 5.25% Washington 5.67%
Michigan 5.93% West Virginia 5.44%
Minnesota 5.53% Wisconsin 5.86%
Mississippi 5.62% Wyoming 5.5%
Missouri 5.79% (Source: FastExpert)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)




Bringing It All Together

The real estate industry is about more than finding the right properties. It’s also about nailing the perfect commission split that makes every sale feel like a celebration! As you set off on this exciting journey, understanding and choosing your commission structure is as crucial as picking the right shoes for a marathon. With each transaction, your knowledge of commission splits isn’t just padding your wallet but also fueling your career growth and ensuring your efforts are recognized. 

Remember, the art of negotiation is your secret weapon. Whether you’re the fresh face on the block or the seasoned and successful real estate pro everyone whispers about, negotiating your commission split is your chance to shine. Show off your value, and don’t settle for less than you deserve. Brokerages come in all shapes and sizes, each offering a smorgasbord of commission options. Align yourself with a good brokerage that’s as invested in your success as you are. 

The post Real Estate Commission Splits: Everything Agents Need to Know appeared first on The Close.

Agently is like your modern real estate coach equipped with an innovative toolkit to streamline operations and maximize agents’ productivity. Agently’s capabilities to store customizable onboarding checklists and training modules and track financial goals make it easy for brokers to support their team’s professional development. I have researched Agently, scrutinized current Agently reviews, and tested its platform to outline its key features, evaluate pricing, weigh its pros and cons, and tell you whether it’s worth your money. Let’s jump in!

Agently Pros & Cons

Agently Pros Agently Cons

  • Offers a 7-day free trial
  • Automated agent onboarding and coaching
  • Financial goal setting and tracking
  • Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered listing builder
  • 1,000+ free stunning social media templates
  • Exclusive buyer and seller lead ads
  • Human phone and email support (no chatbots)

  • Not great for more experienced agents or bigger brokerages
  • Brokers have to input their specific training courses manually
  • Pricey for solo agents

My Verdict on Agently & Why You Should Trust It

With my extensive research experience in various real estate topics, I can provide readers with a thorough analysis of Agently’s platform and features—objectively highlighting its strengths and limitations. My commitment to honesty and transparency at The Close guarantees that my Agently reviews will provide valuable insights into your decision-making process.

Agently goes beyond traditional real estate management and lead generation platforms by offering robust coaching and training features to support brokerage owners and agents. With Agently, brokerage owners can streamline agent operations, including the onboarding process and training courses. 

This approach to agent development enhances productivity and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within small brokerages. Therefore, Agently is an ideal choice for solo agents or small teams searching for a modern, user-friendly solution to streamline their operations and empower their teams.

Agently Alternatives

While Agently is a great platform for professionals looking to maximize efficiency, other platforms better suit agents’ and brokerages’ budgets and real estate needs. Agents and brokers looking for budget-friendly solutions might feel like Agently is too pricey, and those seeking instant customer support might find that Agently’s support team takes too long to respond. Here are some alternatives worth considering.

Platform Why It’s a Great Alternative Learn More Ready to Purchase?
The logo of Radius It’s a real estate company providing coaching, branding assistance, and a community of 80,000 agents. No review yet Visit Radius Agent
The logo of rechat It has a transaction management feature and can integrate with more platforms for a more efficient workflow. No review yet Visit Rechat
LionDesk logo It’s a customer relationship manager (CRM) that boasts strong automation and lead nurturing tools. LionDesk review Visit LionDesk

Platform Why It’s a Great Alternative Learn More Ready to Purchase?
The logo of Radius It’s a real estate company providing coaching, branding assistance, and a community of 80,000 agents. No review yet Visit Radius Agent
The logo of rechat It has a transaction management feature and can integrate with more platforms for a more efficient workflow. No review yet Visit Rechat
LionDesk logo It’s a customer relationship manager (CRM) that boasts strong automation and lead nurturing tools. LionDesk review Visit LionDesk

Agently Reviews: What Current Users Think of Agently

There aren’t many third-party Agently reviews yet, as Agently is still fairly new to the game. However, the feedback from early users has been positive, with many praising Agently’s interface and features. While Agently may be relatively new, its growing user base suggests a promising future for this real estate management market player. Below are some Agently reviews:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

“All in all, it’s the software’s simple goal setting and ability to serve as a daily activity check-in that, to me, offer the most value. A lot of big, broad enterprise business systems and CRMs offer agent-specific goal setting and tracking, but they’re not designed specifically around the newly licensed agent. This is meant for them, for the agents that need direction.” — Inman

⭐⭐⭐

“The AI powered property description generator is a game-changer. You just fill out the required info about your new listing, like the price and number of bedrooms, etc. The generator will then allow you to click through several options to find the description that best fits the property.” — Agent Advice

Key Features of Agently

In this section, let’s take a closer look at Agently’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Agently Dashboard

Agently’s dashboard is a centralized hub for real estate brokers and agents to manage their activities efficiently. Upon logging in, brokers are greeted with a clean, intuitive interface, offering at-a-glance insights into engagement, training, accountability, and recognition. Solo agents, on the other hand, are welcomed with today’s tasks, challenges, their goal tracker on the right, and training courses assigned to them.

Agently broker's dashboard on a screen.
A team leader or brokerage owner’s dashboard (Source: Agently)
What solo agent's see upon logging into Agently - today's tasks, goal tracker, and training courses to be completed.
A solo agent’s dashboard (Source: Agently)

Agent Coaching & Onboarding

Agently provides comprehensive coaching and training features tailored to the needs of brokerage owners and agents. Through the platform, brokers can do the following:

  • Create personalized onboarding checklists, guiding new agents through tasks such as downloading onboarding videos and documents, familiarizing themselves with brokerage manuals, and updating their real estate agent bios
  • Upload and receive documents requiring agents’ signatures
  • Provide access to various training materials, such as legal, marketing, and sales training videos
  • Create coaching challenges to motivate agents and enhance sales productivity
Screenshot of Agently's main coaching track.
Agently’s training tab (Source: Agently)

Goal Setting

Agently offers goal setting and tracking capabilities to help agents achieve their weekly or annual goals. Agents can set specific goals, such as client acquisition milestones and sales targets. Team leaders, on the other hand, can monitor and ask agents how they’re progressing toward their goals. However, while agents can set their goals through the platform and monitor their progress, this can appear to be a competition among agents within a brokerage. 

Agently's goal and accountability tracker on a mobile device screen.
Financial goal and accountability tracker (Source: Agently)

The Hub

Agently’s Hub is a location for storing files, contracts, templates, and other assets, allowing seamless file sharing. It’s like Agently’s Google Drive, where teams can centralize important documents. Not many platforms offer storage, so this is an excellent feature from Agently.

Agently's The Hub - where all user files, links, and documents are stored.
Screenshot of The Hub (Source: Agently)

AI Marketing Suite

Agently is a great lead generation tool for agents. Agents can get buyer or seller leads by creating video posts based on Agently’s topic suggestions or creating ads and posting them directly on social media. Additionally, I’m impressed with Agently’s artificial intelligence (AI) listing builder. This tool simplifies the creation of visually appealing listings by allowing agents to upload photos, which are then enhanced using AI algorithms. Afterward, Agently generates a comprehensive MLS description that is ready to be posted.

 Agently's for sale templates.
Explore Agently’s over 1,000 ready-to-post social media templates (Source: Agently)

Agently Pricing

Agently offers transparent pricing plans to accommodate the needs of solo agents and small brokerages. If you have a limited budget as a solo agent, Agently can be cost-prohibitive. But if you’re a broker coaching many agents, you can ask your agents to pay a small charge to cover Agently’s monthly cost for brokerages or cover it from earned commission splits. 

Here are the features and benefits of each subscription plan so you can determine which best suits your business goals. If you’re still exploring other options, Agently offers a seven-day free trial.

For Solo Agents For Teams or Brokerages
Price $59 per month or $459 per year $279 per month
Features included

  • Daily coaching strategies
  • Exclusive buyer and seller lead ads
  • 1,000+ social media templates
  • AI-powered listing builder
  • Accountability and goal tracker

  • All-in-one management dashboard
  • Automated agent onboarding
  • Automated accountability system
  • AI-powered marketing suite
  • Real-time communications
  • Phone support
  • Productivity leaderboards

Methodology

In my assessment of Agently, I conducted thorough research to ensure accuracy and reliability in the final evaluation. At The Close, we aim to guide real estate professionals in making informed decisions. We analyzed Agently’s platform, its pricing structure, features, user feedback, and reputation, and then based our Agently reviews on the following criteria:

  • Value for Money
    • I reviewed Agently’s pricing, subscription plans, and whether it offered discounts or bulk pricing. 
  • Features
    • I considered features such as its management dashboard, marketing suite, agent onboarding, listing builder, social media templates, and goal tracker.
  • User Interface
    • I evaluated Agently’s user interface, customizability, and operation ability.
  • Reputation
    • I examined Agently’s overall reputation and usability through verified user reviews.
  • Help & Support
    • Phone, email, and live chat availability were assessed for real estate agents needing support.
  • Expert Score 
    • The Close reviewed Agently for standout features, value for money, and additional considerations from a real estate agent’s perspective. 

Read more about our methodology here.

FAQs




Bottom Line: Is Agently Worth Your Money?

Agently revolutionizes the way real estate brokers and agents work together. From agent management to helping agents acquire leads, Agently offers a comprehensive suite of tools to boost productivity and streamline processes. It provides essential tools for starting agents without overwhelming complexity. Additionally, Agently’s suitability for smaller brokerages lies in its tailored approach to real estate management. But while Agently excels in simplifying operations for smaller players in the industry, those seeking advanced functionalities may find other platforms better suited to their needs.

Your Take

At The Close, we’re committed to giving real estate agents solutions to your needs. Have you tried Agently? What do you think about it? We’d like to hear your Agently reviews—let us know in the comments!

The post Agently Review: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons (2024) appeared first on The Close.

Selecting the right company name is one of the biggest hurdles in starting your business. After all, your company name is the foundation of your brand identity, conveying your values and expertise to prospective clients. If you’ve already nailed down a business name right off the bat, I say you’re one lucky agent! But if you still need help, here are some creative real estate company names, steps to creating your own, and our free real estate name generator.

45 Real Estate Business Names to Inspire You

Before choosing your own, consider these real estate name ideas for inspiration. You’ll find that many successful companies incorporate terms like “Realty,” “Properties,” “Real Estate Group,” and “Property Advisors.” What will you choose for yours?

1 Agile Real Estate Group 24 Lark Homes
2 Anchor Group Real Estate 25 Lighthouse Group Real Estate
3 Beacon Homes LLC 26 Magnolia Group Real Estate
4 Blue Reef Properties 27 Nestled Real Estate
5 Bond & Main Real Estate Group 28 Nova Group Real Estate
6 Brick Lane Realty 29 Olive Tree Realty
7 Capstone Realty 30 Orchard Street Properties
8 Citadel Partners Realty 31 Pagoda Partners Realty
9 Cobblestone Realty Partners 32 Picket Fence Realty
10 Devoe Partners 33 Pilot Property Group
11 Divine Nooks 34 Pinnacle Real Estate
12 Equinox Realty Advisors 35 Platinum Property Advisors
13 Finders Group Realty LA 36 Privet Group Real Property
14 Forward Real Estate Advisors 37 Red Coral Realty
15 Granite Real Estate 38 Rise Real Estate
16 Haven Group Real Estate 39 Shipwright Realty
17 Herringbone Realty 40 Siren Partners Real Estate
18 Home & Hearth Realty 41 Summit Properties
19 Jasper Realty 42 Sunstone Property Advisors
20 Keystone Group Real Estate 43 The Viola Group
21 Lamplighters Realty 44 Titan Real Estate
22 Landmark Realty Group 45 Zenith Estates
23 Larkspur Partners Realty

How to Make Your Real Estate Company Name

Creating an excellent name for your real estate company is key to establishing a solid brand identity. Here are some of my steps and strategies to help you create a name that will resonate with your target market.

Step 1: Define Your Brand Values & Audience

In any business, it’s essential to understand your brand’s core values and target market. What sets your company apart? What message do you want to communicate to future clients? Identifying your brand values and target audience will guide you in selecting a company name that perfectly reflects your agency’s identity. Here’s an example from one of the company names above:

Company name: Anchor Group Real Estate

Target market: Clients who want to purchase beachfront homes, waterfront estates, and properties with ocean or lake views 

Brand values:

  • Stability: We are committed to providing our clients a stable foundation and service as their anchor throughout their real estate journey.
  • Guidance: Just as an anchor provides direction, we are committed to guiding our clients and helping them navigate the complexities of their buying experience. 

If you want to learn more, read our real estate branding guide.

Step 2: Research Your Competitors’ Company Names

Avoid choosing a company name that sounds like your competitors to prevent client confusion and establish a unique identity. It’s critical because you don’t want prospective clients visiting your competitor while thinking they’re contacting you.

Here are some tips you can follow to avoid duplicating a competitor:

  • Research existing real estate companies in your state and internationally.
  • Analyze other companies’ naming strategies and consider how to differentiate your brand.
  • Ensure your company name is distinct and stands out from the competitors while aligning with your brand identity and values.
  • If you’re an established brand and find similarities, focus on your brand colors, real estate slogan, and differentiators. 

Step 3: Keep It Short & Simple

Have you ever noticed how the world’s top companies have short names? Some are only recognized through their acronyms, e.g., BMW, BBC, IBM, DHL, and HSBC. This brand recognition strategy is why keeping your company name short and simple is crucial. Consider these tips for a short business name:

  • Make your name short and easy to spell: In business, a brief company name is preferential for easy recall. Opt for company names that are simple and easy to remember to avoid confusing potential customers. A concise name also works well for branding and marketing materials such as signs, business cards, social media handles, and logos.
  • Pay attention to how your company name sounds when spoken out loud: Your name may look great on paper, but how will it sound when a former client talks about your company over lunch with a friend? One of the best ways to do this is to write down your name and see if your co-workers and even strangers can pronounce it easily. Does it roll off the tongue, or do they stumble while trying to say it?
  • Consider your company name’s acronym: A recognizable acronym can improve visibility in marketing materials and strengthen brand recall. When choosing a company name, consider potential acronyms and assess how they align with your brand identity. Even if you don’t plan to use an acronym for your real estate name, ensure yours doesn’t accidentally convey anything lewd or tasteless.

Step 4: Consider Your Geographic Farm Area

Real estate company names should target the people you want to sell real estate to. Are you working in retirement communities in Boca Raton or selling old warehouse spaces to movie directors in LA’s Arts District? As you can imagine, those two companies should have very different names if they want to reach the right audiences.

Also, as you grow as an agent or brokerage, you’ll naturally want to expand your business coverage. So before adding your farm area to your company name, ask yourself where you think you’ll be selling five or 10 years from now. Will you still be in that small town in Albuquerque, or will you expand to Santa Fe? Consider the long-term goals of your business and ensure that your company name is versatile enough to accommodate changes in locations, target audiences, and services.

SmartZip's SmartTargeting dashboard with predictive analytics of homeowners most likely to sell their properties
SmartTargeting dashboard of SmartZip (Source: SmartZip)

If your real estate company needs help identifying high-potential neighborhoods, properties, and demographics, try SmartZip. SmartZip is a lead-farming tool that can pinpoint properties and areas where homeowners are more likely to buy or sell.

Step 5: Brainstorm & Come Up With as Many Names as You Can

Creativity is vital when brainstorming real estate company name ideas. The more real estate business names you come up with, the better! Whatever you do, don’t skip the brainstorming sessions necessary for the ideation process. Get all your ideas up on the whiteboard! Explore different themes, word combinations, and concepts. Once you have a list of potential company names, evaluate each and compare them against all the others on your list, narrowing down your options until you find the perfect fit.

Try artificial intelligence (AI) for other name options. Harnessing AI’s power to create business names can also streamline the naming process. AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) can generate innovative and relevant name suggestions and look up your competitors’ names and customer preferences. However, keep in mind that humans are still better than robots when it comes to naming businesses.

The Close’s Real Estate Name Generator

Need help to brainstorm name ideas? Try our real estate name generator to get you started.

Generate Your Name

Chose a name format

Warning: The company names produced by this generator were created by our team, but it is up to you to verify trademark status.

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Things to Avoid When Choosing Your Company Name

Selecting a real estate company name can be stressful and daunting, but knowing what to avoid can streamline your decision-making process.

  • Puns, Pop Culture References & Cliches

Choosing a company name that leans on puns, pop culture references, or cliches may seem clever initially, but it can quickly become outdated or fail to connect with your audience. While you and your colleagues might think your pun is hilarious, will everyone find it clever? The answer, of course, is no. Puns may not translate well across different cultures and age groups, limiting your brand’s appeal.

  • Long Real Estate Names

Long and complex real estate names can be difficult to remember, pronounce, and type, affecting brand recall and accessibility. In addition, they may need to be more visually appealing in your marketing materials, such as signage, business cards, and print ads. Opt for a short and memorable name that’s easy to spell and pronounce.

  • Trademarked Real Estate Firm Names

Selecting a real estate company name already trademarked by another firm can only lead to legal conflicts, a damaged reputation, and costly rebranding efforts. Use search engines, social media, and trademark databases, and consult legal experts to verify the availability and legality of your desired company name. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Exercise caution when using the term “Realtor.” Since the National Association of Realtors (NAR) owns the trademark on the word Realtor, they have rules about how to use it. If you’re not a dues-paying member of NAR, they won’t let you use it at all. If you are an active Realtor, there are still restrictions around using the word in your branding. Read NAR’s Membership Marks Manual and make sure you’re committed to long-term association membership before you tie your business presence to this protected—and regularly policed—brand name.

Next Steps After Picking Your Company Name

Once you’ve come up with a great name, the next step is crafting a brand around it, which involves creating a brand identity and establishing your presence across all marketing channels.

Come Up With Your Real Estate Logo & Slogan

Create an effective real estate slogan and a visually appealing logo. Of course, this doesn’t happen overnight! Your slogan and logo should be carefully considered and tested by a sample audience. Do they evoke professionalism and audience recall? Your motto should be concise and reflective of your brand identity, while your logo should incorporate elements like your brand’s color scheme, typography, and imagery. Work with graphic designers and copywriters to develop your brand’s slogan and logo.

Claim Your Social Media Accounts

Since competition for online real estate has become more intense over the past years, you need to act quickly and get your social media accounts up and running. Establishing a strong online media presence is no longer an option—it’s a necessity for staying relevant in the real estate industry. And while you’re at it, don’t forget your real estate agent bio! Your bio should highlight your experience, expertise, and personality.

Before settling on a real estate company name, search for your desired social media handles and domain names. If another entrepreneur has already staked a claim, you could set yourself up for an uphill battle.

Buy Your Domain & Build Your Website

Securing a domain name that matches your real estate name is essential for establishing a professional online presence. Ensure you buy a domain that’s easy to spell and relevant to your business and location. Once you’ve acquired your domain, invest in a website that showcases your expertise, services, agents, and property listings. Incorporate your logo, slogan, and other branding elements into your website. To streamline your process, check out our guide on the best real estate website builders.

If you want an affordable website that you can set up quickly and scale as your business grows, try AgentFire. AgentFire has stunning designs and lets you build a custom tech stack, so you never pay for features you don’t need. Sure, many other web designers exist, but most realtors who choose AgentFire never look back.

Register Your Business

Before giving out your business cards to prospective clients, register your business to establish legitimacy. Depending on your location and firm structure, you may register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Look up your area’s registration requirements and processes and consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Registering your company allows you to acquire necessary permits, get tax benefits and deductions, and open company bank accounts.

Trademark Your Company Name

Trademarking your real estate company name provides legal protection against unauthorized use. Begin by searching to confirm your chosen name’s availability through the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Electronic Search System. Once you’ve confirmed your company name’s availability, file a trademark application and secure exclusive rights to your name.

Start Promoting Your Company

Finally, with your business name and assets in place, it’s time to promote your agency and close deals with clients. Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to generate leads and reach your target audience. Use social media platforms, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, print advertising, and other traditional marketing strategies to drive traffic to your website and increase brand visibility.

Need some ideas for marketing your agency? Check out our article on 23 Clever Real Estate Marketing Ideas.

FAQs: Real Estate Company Names




Bringing It All Together

Naming a real estate company is challenging and sometimes stressful. But everything will feel rewarding once you find that perfect name representing your brand identity. I hope my guide has helped you craft a bulletproof company name. Trust the process of bringing your real estate company name to life. Still have burning questions or want to bounce some ideas off our team? Let us know in the comments!

The post 45 Creative Real Estate Company Names + How to Create Your Own appeared first on The Close.

Effective real estate slogans (often called taglines) are a top-producing realtor’s secret weapon for personal, team, or brokerage branding. A memorable slogan should instantly communicate your mission, vision, and values to clients in five words or less. However, writing a memorable slogan for your business is much harder than it sounds. Luckily, I’m here to help! I pulled together the best realtor slogans in the industry and will walk you through the steps to writing your standout slogan (plus, we have a free slogan generator!).

51 Best Real Estate Slogans & Taglines

Before crafting your slogan, let’s explore examples from other real estate companies for inspiration and insight into how they have communicated their brand identities effectively. 

1. ‘Live Who You Are’ — Corcoran

Why it works: A simple, welcoming slogan like this makes perfect sense for Barbara Corcoran’s Manhattan brokerage, which she built from scratch. It speaks directly to those who want to embrace their Manhattan lifestyle, highlighting the desire for authenticity in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Need some help building your own personal brand? Check out our guide on Real Estate Branding: How to Build Your Brand.

2. ‘Ask Elliman’ — Douglas Elliman

Why it works: By inviting questions and requests, this slogan creates a sense of accessibility, positioning Douglas Elliman as a trusted real estate partner. Short and sweet, this tagline from an Elliman advertising campaign sums up the primary value add they offer: expert advice from decades of experience. It also does an excellent job of humanizing a historic luxury brand that might seem unapproachable to some.

3. ‘The Evolution of Luxury Starts Here’ — Aaron Kirman

Why it works: As one of the most successful luxury real estate agents in Beverly Hills, Aaron Kirman is one of the few agents who can make such a bold claim in his slogan. This tagline appeals to wealthy clients seeking unparalleled service and the latest trends in luxury real estate. Of course, you don’t have to sell nine-figure mansions to write a slogan expressing your brand’s mission, vision, and values like Aaron Kirman’s.

4. ‘Everyone Deserves a Dream Home’ — Justin Landis Group

Why it works: Instead of demonstrating his unique selling proposition (USP), Justin Landis expresses his mission as a real estate agent. In other words, he gets up every morning to help people in his community find their dream home. This slogan emphasizes the agency’s mission-driven approach by telling the audience why he does what he does—a far more powerful statement.

5. ‘Integrity, Intelligence, Innovation’ — Coldwell Banker Warburg

Why it works: Playing with alliteration generally either works or doesn’t, and in the case of Coldwell Banker Warburg’s slogan, we think this impactful message works perfectly. It communicates the company’s core values and demonstrates to clients how their agents work. Another reason these words work so well together is they all have the same number of syllables. This creates a rhythm when spoken out loud, which makes the slogan easy to remember.

6. ‘Longevity Is No Accident’ — Nourmand & Associates

Why it works: By highlighting their decades-long presence in the real estate industry, Nourmand and Associates position themselves as experts with a proven track record. This slogan sets them apart from the newer brokerages they compete with. If your brokerage has been selling real estate longer than many new agents have been alive, boasting your history in your slogan is a no-brainer. 

7. ‘The Gold Standard’ — Century 21

Why it works: For a brokerage founded in 1971 and one of the most widely recognized brands globally, a slogan like “The Gold Standard” is iconic. First, it reinforces Century 21’s reputation. Second, it reminds their audience of their gold brand color. The slogan’s simplicity also makes it memorable, leaving a lasting impression on clients and potential customers alike.

8. ‘Client Focused. Results Driven.’ — Dolly Lenz Real Estate

Why it works: Dolly Lenz’s slogan focuses on her team’s passion for closing deals and providing client satisfaction and success. Sure, many million-dollar brokers share this commitment, but Dolly Lenz has been doing it longer and better than all. With a career spanning decades of experience, Dolly Lenz has consistently surpassed expectations and set new standards for excellence—which is why her company’s slogan works. 

9. ‘Service. Knowledge. Results.’ — Fazendin Realtors

Why it works: In just three words, Fazendin Realtors boils down to the unique value they offer buyers and sellers. Finding your USP and integrating it into your slogan could be challenging, but getting it right will make your slogan more persuasive and help you connect with potential clients on a more personal level. This slogan communicates the brokerage’s values effectively.

10. ‘The Power of Deep Roots’ — Town and Country Real Estate Hamptons

Why it works: Let’s face it. Local knowledge is essential for success in any country region, but it’s crucial in places like New York’s Hamptons. With 65-plus years of combined experience, Town and Country Real Estate Hamptons’ slogan emphasizes its heritage and authority in the industry.

11. ‘Realtor Marketing for Homebuilders Made Easy’ — Ben Cabellero

Why it works: When your clients are multi-billion-dollar homebuilders like Toll Brothers, your real estate slogan needs to spell out the benefits you’re providing them. In this case, Ben Cabellero emphasizes what every corporate bigwig wants: simplicity and convenience. Massive companies are almost always bogged down by complexity, so coming right out and offering them an incredibly valuable service is an offer too good to resist.

12. ‘Luxury Real Estate: Redefined’ — Sotheby’s International Realty

Why it works: As one of the planet’s premier luxury brands, Sotheby’s International Realty wisely acknowledged the evolving nature of luxury real estate through its slogan. After all, with home automation and a truly global market, luxury real estate is changing dramatically. Smart companies keep up and adapt, while those unwilling to change perish.

13. ‘Our Passion Is People. What’s Yours?’ — The Boutique Real Estate Group

Why it works: To help his brokerage stand out, Raj focused on branding that is friendly and accessible but still ticks all the boxes for well-heeled homeowners and buyers. This real estate slogan conveys their customer-centric approach and dedication to building meaningful client relationships. It invites the audience to reflect on their passion, fostering connection.

14. ‘Where Entrepreneurs Thrive’ — Keller Williams Realty

Why it works: As one of the top real estate companies in the world, Keller Williams’ slogan communicates to their target audience of business-minded real estate entrepreneurs. It conveys a sense of opportunity, inviting people to grow their businesses and achieve success within KW’s supportive environment.

15. ‘Sell It Like Serhant’ — Ryan Serhant

Why it works: Leave it to New York City real estate wunderkind Ryan Serhant to develop the catchiest of real estate catchphrases. This slogan conveys confidence and a result-driven approach in real estate. Over the last decade, Ryan Serhant has built one of the most recognized real estate brands. If you want to learn more about how to build a brand like Ryan’s, check out our review of his Sell It Like Serhant real estate branding course.

And that’s not all! Here are more real estate slogans from top industry players:

16 ‘Better Insights, Better Decisions’
— Leslie Garfield
34 ‘Successfully Getting Results for Over 25 Years’ — Hugh Cornish
17 ‘Modern Vision. Timeless Values’
— Jack Conway
35 ‘Your Guide to Palm Beach Real Estate’ — Sonja Stevens
18 18. ‘Defined by Service & Expertise’
— Long and Foster
36 ‘The Ultimate Concierge Real Estate Experience’ — Tanya Dzhibrailova
19 ‘A Reputation Built on Results’
— Riskin Partners Estate Group
37 ‘Successfully Selling Peninsula Homes Since 1977’ — John Shroyer
20 ‘For Those Who Seek an Exceptional Life’
— Spears Group
38 ‘A Realtor Who Knows His Markets’ — Roger Perry Group
21 ‘Your Gateway to a Richer Life’
— Town and Country Real Estate, The Hamptons
39 ‘Proven Results at Every Price Point’ — Team Foster
22 ‘Local Knowledge, Global Reach’
— Vail Real Estate
40 ‘Local Expertise. Global Connections.’ — Neill Bassi
23 ‘Experience, Integrity & Service’
— Ash Rizk
41 ‘A Smart Move!’ — Exit Realty
24 ‘Knowledge, Experience, Success’
— Adam Kaufman
42 ‘We Are Life Changers’ —Pardee Properties
25 ‘The Next Move Is Yours’
— Douglas Elliman
43 ‘A Home Changes Everything’ — New Story
26 ‘A Fresh Approach to Real Estate’ — Judy Citron 44 ‘Extraordinary Reach. Extraordinary Results.’ —The Noble Black Team at Douglas Elliman
27 ‘Impeccable Guidance, With a Legacy of Proven Success’ — Neal Ward 45 ‘Fulfilling the Dream of Home Since 1906’ — Coldwell Banker
28 ‘Representing the Finest Coastal Luxury Real Estate in Newport Beach’ — Tara Shapiro 46 ‘Find Your Place’ — Compass
29 ‘Live Your Life, I’ve Got This’ — Heather McMaste 47 ‘The Right Agent Can Lead the Way’ — RE/MAX
30 ‘You Couldn’t Be in Finer Hands’ — Briggs Freeman 48 ‘Expect Better’ — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
31 ‘Helping Everyone Find Their Place in the World’ — Lila Delman 49 ‘Find Homes First. Tour Homes Fast.’ — Redfin
32 ‘Over 25 Years Matching People & Property in Ojai Valley’ — Patty Waltcher 50 ‘The Providence Real Estate Guy’ — Jim DeRentis
33 ‘Exceptional Properties, Exceptional Results’ — Gary Depersia 51 ‘Buckhead’s Most Trusted Agent’ — Betsy Akers

Related Article
15 Clever Real Estate Pop-by Ideas to Get More Referrals

How to Write a Real Estate Slogan That Helps Sell Your Brand

Writing effective real estate lines isn’t easy. To help get your creative juices flowing and avoid common writing mistakes, here is my eight-step process for crafting a real estate slogan that can make your phone ring. 

Step 1: Find Your Why: Write Your Mission, Vision & Values Statement

Before brainstorming ideas, it can be helpful to determine your mission, vision, and values. This will help you narrow down your unique value proposition and find an element that resonates with buyers and sellers in your farm area. Need help crafting your mission, vision, and values statement? Here are some examples:

Mission: “To help clients achieve all their luxury real estate goals.”

Vision: “To become the most sought-after real estate brokerage in our city, known for our expertise in luxury real estate and commitment to exceeding expectations.”

Values: 

  • Community: We are committed to giving back to our community and making a positive impact by supporting local events and fostering solid relationships with local businesses.
  • Excellence: We strive for excellence in everything, from top-notch customer service to professionalism in all aspects of our jobs.
  • Trustworthiness: By showing integrity, we are committed to building trust within our community, clients, and stakeholders.

Step 2: Demonstrate Your Unique Value Proposition as a Realtor

Your slogan should be more than a few nice-sounding words you can put on your website. It needs to show potential clients and customers why they should hire you instead of one of your city’s hundreds of other agents. What makes your brand stand out from your competitors? Whether it’s your unique approach to customer service, out-of-the-ordinary marketing ideas, or expertise in a specific niche, your slogan should communicate why clients choose you as their real estate partner in buying or selling.

Step 3: Start Brainstorming & Writing Real Estate Slogans

Now you need to take all your research from your niche and ideas from our generator below and start writing your real estate slogan. Fair warning: It is harder than it sounds. Try working on writing your slogan in chunks. If you write for an hour on Tuesday, put everything away and don’t look at it again until next Tuesday. Fresh eyes will give you a new perspective and help you find the diamonds in the rough.

Step 4: Ensure Your Slogan Is Short, Easy to Understand & Memorable

  • Short: Is your slogan short enough to be a real estate hashtag? The first goal of writing a killer slogan is to be short. Why? Simple. Shorter sentences are much easier for people to remember than long sentences. While this might seem obvious, many agents cram as much information as possible into their slogans, which almost always leads to long and sometimes confusing sentences.
  • Easy to understand: If you want your slogan to be effective, people need to understand what it says about your personal brand without having to think about it. The meaning behind your slogan might seem obvious to you, but your audience is not inside your head. To find out if your slogan is easy to understand, send it to a friend or coworker and ask them to tell you what they think it means. If they struggle to explain it—or worse, get it wrong—keep working on it until they get it right.
  • Memorable: Even if you devise a short and easy-to-understand slogan demonstrating your value proposition, it won’t help you sell your personal brand if people forget it.

Step 5: Listen to How Your Slogan Sounds

After you’ve written a few slogans, try saying them out loud. Do the words have a pleasant rhythm? One way to instantly add rhythm to your slogan is to try to sum up your value proposition into just three words. Here are a few examples:

Honesty, Integrity, Experience
Integrity, Intelligence, Innovation
Simple. Smart. Powerful.

Alliteration—repeating the same letter or sound at the beginning of each word of a sentence—is an excellent way to make your slogan easier to remember. You might also try playing with repeating the same word. Here are a few slogans that use alliteration:

Your Neighbor, Your Realtor
Exceptional Properties, Exceptional Results
Extraordinary Reach. Extraordinary Results.
Unrivaled. Unmatched.

Lastly, consider your slogan’s acronym, as this can make your brand stand out. Avoid using acronyms with unintended meanings or negative connotations that can harm your reputation. Take this FART bus, for example. Not only does it sound funny, but it also creates an unintended association that detracts from the brand’s credibility. Remember, a well-thought-out slogan and acronym combo can leave a lasting impression.

Step 6: Your Slogan Should Resonate With Buyers & Sellers in Your Neighborhood

Your slogan must connect meaningfully with your potential clients and customers. Test your slogan with a sample audience to gauge their reactions. If they don’t instantly understand what it means or doesn’t reflect their values, choose another slogan.

Step 7: Consider Legalities

Before finalizing your slogan, here are some legal aspects you should consider:

  • Ensure that your slogan doesn’t violate others’ intellectual property rights. Do not incorporate any element that belongs to others without proper authorization.
  • See that your slogan is culturally sensitive and contains no offensive language that could damage your brand’s reputation.
  • It’s important to note that only distinctive and highly creative slogans can be trademarked. Therefore, ensure that no other company in the same industry has taken your slogan. Check the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Electronic Search System to check that your slogan isn’t registered.
  • Verify that you can use the slogan in all your marketing materials. If your employees created it, they should be appropriately credited and compensated.

Step 8: Finalize Your Slogan

Almost there! Based on feedback and legal considerations, make the necessary changes to finalize the wording of your slogan. Your company’s slogan should align with your brand identity and resonate with your audience. Then, you may start incorporating your slogan into your marketing materials, including your social media accounts, website, business cards, and real estate signs. Use your slogan consistently across all your marketing channels to boost brand recognition.

The Close’s Custom Real Estate Slogan Generator

You asked, and we delivered. Click below to access our real estate slogan generator, which allows you to create dozens of unique, hyperlocal real estate slogans with one click. Simply input your farm area and the year you launched your business, and our generator will deliver slogans that match your brand. If you don’t like what you see, click the button again to generate more slogans.

Custom Real Estate Slogan Generator

Warning: The slogans produced by this generator were created by our team, but it is up to
you
to verify trademark status.

FAQs: Real Estate Slogans




Bringing It All Together

Real estate slogans are more than just your elevator pitch—they’re your elevator door pitch. When you have one second to convey your message, you must make those few words count. What are you going to say? What message do you want to send? We hope this guide helped you find out. Still stuck on your slogan? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll try to help!

The post 51 Best Real Estate Slogans & Taglines appeared first on The Close.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? I’ve got just the thing to help you—a foolproof real estate business plan. But before you start thinking, “Ugh, not a boring business plan for real estate,” hear me out. I’ve got a template that’ll make the process a breeze. Plus, I’ll walk you through seven easy steps to craft a plan to put you ahead of the game and have you achieve your wildest real estate dreams in no time. Your success story starts now.

Screenshot of Real Estate Business Plan Template

Grab My Real Estate Business Plan Template

Key Takeaways:

  • A well-crafted business plan is your roadmap to success. It guides your decisions and keeps you focused on your goals.
  • Create a solid plan by defining your mission, vision, and values, analyzing your market and ideal client, conducting a SWOT analysis, setting SMART goals, and creating a financial plan.
  • Regularly track your progress, review your key performance indicators (KPIs), stay flexible, and seek accountability to ensure long-term success.
  • Remember, your Realtor business plan should evolve with your business. Embrace change and stay focused on your goals to make your real estate dreams a reality.

Do Agents Really Need a Real Estate Business Plan?

Absolutely. Your real estate agent business plan is your roadmap to success. Without it, you risk losing direction and focus in your real estate career.

A well-crafted business plan helps you:

  • Understand your current position in the market
  • Set clear and achievable goals
  • Create a roadmap for success
  • Track your progress and performance
  • Make informed decisions and adjustments

Think of your real estate business planning as your GPS, guiding you from your current situation to your desired destination. It serves as your North Star, keeping you focused and on track, even in challenging times. Invest the time to create a solid business plan, and you’ll be well-positioned to succeed in your market and achieve your goals. Your future self will appreciate the effort you put in now.

Write a Real Estate Business Plan in 7 Easy Steps

Before we dive into this section, get our real estate business plan template (click here to go back up to grab it) and work through it as I explain each section. I’ll give you some direction on each element to help you craft your own business plan.

1. Identify Who You Are as a Real Estate Agent

Let’s start with your “why.” Understanding your purpose for choosing real estate is crucial because it is the foundation for your business plan and guides your decision-making process. Defining your mission, vision, and values will help you stay focused and motivated as you navigate your real estate career.

Mission: Your mission statement defines your purpose for choosing real estate. It clearly states what you’re trying to do, the problem you want to solve, and the difference you want to make.

Ex: Wanda Sellfast’s mission is to empower first-time homebuyers in Sunnyvale, California, to achieve their dream of homeownership and build long-term wealth through real estate.

Vision: Your vision statement focuses on the ultimate outcome you want to achieve for your clients and community.

Ex: Wanda Sellfast’s vision is a Sunnyvale, where everyone has the opportunity to own a home and build a stable, secure future, creating a more inclusive and prosperous community for all.

Values: Your core values are the guiding principles that shape your behavior, decisions, and interactions with clients and colleagues.

Ex: Wanda Sellfast’s core values include:

  • Integrity: Being honest, transparent, and ethical in all dealings.
  • Dedication: Being devoted to clients’ success and going the extra mile.
  • Community: Building strong, vibrant communities and giving back.

Clearly defining your mission, vision, and values lays the foundation for a strong and purposeful real estate business that will help you positively impact your clients’ lives and your community.

2. Analyze Your Real Estate Market

As a real estate pro, you must deeply understand your local market. This knowledge includes knowing key metrics such as average days on market, average price points, common home styles and sizes, and demographic trends. When someone asks about the market, you should be able to confidently roll those numbers off your tongue without hesitation.

To quickly become the local expert, choosing specific farm areas to focus on is crucial. Concentrate your marketing efforts and build your local knowledge in a handful of communities and neighborhoods.

Some places to do research include:

  • Your local MLS: Check your hot sheet daily
  • Zillow: Check out the Premier Agents who show up in your neighborhood
  • Social media: Who is targeting their posts to your area?
  • Direct mail: Check your mailbox for flyers and postcards
  • Drive by: Drive through your farm areas to see who has signs in yards
Row of small houses in different colors.

Once you’ve identified your target areas, start conducting comparative market analyses (CMAs) to familiarize yourself with the properties and trends in those neighborhoods. That way, you’ll provide accurate insights to your clients and make informed decisions in your business.

Remember to research your competition. Understand what other agents working in the same area are doing, who they’re targeting, and identify any gaps in their services. This understanding will help you differentiate yourself from your competition and better serve your clients’ needs. In our real estate business planning template, I ask you to examine and record:

  • Trends: Track key metrics, such as days on market and average sold prices, to stay informed about your specific market.
  • Market opportunities: Identify situations where there are more buyers and sellers (or vice versa) in the marketplace so you can better advise your clients and find opportunities for them and your business.
  • Market saturation: Recognize areas where there may be an oversupply of certain property types or price points, allowing you to adjust your strategy accordingly.
  • Local competition: Analyze your competitors’ strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in their services to identify opportunities for differentiation and possibilities to create a more meaningful impact.

Remember, real estate is hyper-local. While national and state news can provide some context, your primary focus should be on specific needs and trends within your target areas and the clients you want to serve. By thoroughly analyzing your local real estate market, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions, provide valuable insights to your clients, and ultimately build a successful and thriving business.

3. Identify Your Ideal Client

When creating your real estate business plan, it’s crucial to identify your ideal client. You can’t be everything to everyone, no matter how much you think you should. And trust me, you certainly don’t want to work with every single person who needs real estate advice. By focusing on your ideal client, you’ll create a targeted marketing message that effectively attracts the right people to your business—those you want to work with. 

Two young women looking at a laptop together in a coffee shop.

Think of your target market as a broad group of people who might be interested in your services, while your ideal client is a specific person you are best suited to work with within that group. To create a detailed profile of your ideal client, ask yourself questions like:

  • What age range do they fall into?
  • What’s their family situation?
  • What’s their income level and profession?
  • What are their hobbies and interests?
  • What motivates them to buy or sell a home?
  • What are their biggest fears or concerns about the real estate process?

Answering these questions will help you create a clear picture of your ideal client, making it easier to tailor your marketing messages and services to meet their needs. Consider using this ideal client worksheet, which guides you through the process of creating a detailed client avatar. This will ensure you don’t miss any important aspects of their profile, and you can refer back to it as you develop your marketing plan.

By incorporating your ideal client into your overall business plan, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your marketing efforts, service offerings, and growth strategies. This clarity will help you build stronger relationships with your clients, stand out from the competition, and ultimately achieve your real estate business goals.

4. Conduct a SWOT Analysis

If you want to crush it in this business, you’ve got to think like an entrepreneur. One of the best tools in your arsenal is a SWOT analysis. It sounds ominous, but don’t worry, it’s actually pretty simple. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It’s all about taking a good, hard look at yourself and your business.

Infographic of a SWOT analysis with strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Strengths Opportunities
What do you slay at? Maybe you’re a master negotiator or have a knack for finding hidden gem properties. Whatever it is, own it and make it the backbone of your strategy. What’s happening in your market that you can use to your advantage? Is there an untapped niche or a new technology that could help you streamline your business?
Weaknesses Threats
We all have weaknesses, so don’t be afraid to admit yours. You may not be the best at staying organized or struggle with marketing. The key is to be honest with yourself and either work on improving those areas or hire someone to help you. There’s competition out there, but don’t let that keep you up at night. Instead of obsessing over what other agents are doing, focus on your game plan and stick to it. Identifying threats means recognizing things outside your control that could hinder your success, like the slowing real estate market or limited inventory.

By conducting a SWOT analysis as part of your real estate business plan, you’ll have a clear picture of your current situation and your future goals. And don’t just do it once and forget about it—review and update it regularly to stay on top of your game.

5. Establish Your SMART Goals

If you want to make it big in real estate, setting goals is an absolute must. But not just any goals—I’m talking about SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s like a recipe for success, ensuring your goals are clear, realistic, and have a deadline.

Your SMART goals are an integral part of your overall business plan for real estate. They should be stepping stones to help you achieve your long-term vision and mission. So, analyze your SWOT analysis, ideal client, and market, and craft goals that will help you dominate your niche.

Example Smart Goal: Close 10 transactions in the next quarter.

Specific

Make sure to provide as many details as possible behind your goals. Don’t just say, “I want to sell more houses.” That’s too vague. In the example above, the goal is specific: “close 10 transactions.”

Measure

If you can’t measure your progress, how will you know if you’re crushing it or falling behind? Ensure your goals have numbers attached to track your success or see where you need to focus more energy. “Close 10 transactions” has a specific number, so you have a way to measure your progress.

Achievable

I know you’ve got big dreams for your real estate business, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. Set goals that stretch you beyond your comfort zone but are still achievable. This way, you’ll gain confidence, build momentum, and push yourself to new heights. Closing 10 transactions in a quarter is a lofty goal, but it’s still achievable. Your goals should stretch you but still be within your reach.

Relevant

Relevant goals are the ones that actually move the needle for your business. Sure, becoming the next TikTok sensation might be a lot of fun, but unless TikTok generates most of your clients, it won’t help you close more deals. Your goals should be laser-focused on the activities and milestones that will help you grow your real estate career. In the example above, the goal is specifically related to real estate. 

Time-bound

Deadlines are your friend. Without a timeline, your goals are just wishes. Give yourself a precise end date and work backward to create a plan of action. In the example, the deadline for achieving the goal is the end of the current quarter. If you don’t achieve the goal, you can evaluate where the shortfall was and reset for the next quarter.


“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”

Tony Robbins headshot

Tony Robbins


Remember, just like your SWOT analysis, your goals aren’t set in stone. Review and adjust them regularly to stay on track and adapt to business and market changes.

6. Create Your Financial Plan

Financial planning might not be your idea of a good time, but this is where your real estate business plan really comes together. Thanks to all the research and strategizing you’ve done, most of the heavy lifting is already done. Now, it’s just a matter of plugging in the numbers and ensuring everything adds up.

In this real estate business plan template section, you’ll want to account for all your operating expenses. That means everything from your marketing budget to your lead generation costs. Don’t forget about the little things (like printer ink, file folders, thank you cards, etc.)—they might seem small, but they can add up quickly. Some typical expenses to consider include:

Once you’ve figured out your expenses, it’s time to reverse-engineer the numbers and determine how many deals you need to close each month to cover your costs. If you’re just starting out and don’t have a track record to go off of, no worries! This planning period allows you to set a budget and create a roadmap for success.

Pro tip: Keep your personal and business finances separate. Never dip into your personal cash for business expenses. Not only will it make tax time a nightmare, but it’s way too easy to blow your budget without even realizing it.

If you’re evaluating your starting assets and realizing they don’t quite match your startup costs, don’t panic. This new insight is just a sign that you must return to the drawing board and tweak your strategy until the numbers line up. It might take some trial and error, but getting your financial plan right from the start is worth it.

7. Track Your Progress & Adjust as Needed

You’ve worked hard and created a killer real estate business plan, and you’re ready to take on the world. But remember, your business plan isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s a living, breathing document that needs to evolve as your business grows and changes. That’s why it’s so important to track your progress and make adjustments along the way. 

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

  • Set regular check-ins: Schedule dedicated time to review your progress and see how you’re doing against your goals, whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
  • Keep an eye on your KPIs: Your key performance indicators (KPIs) are the metrics that matter most to your business. Things like lead generation, conversion rates, and average sales price can give you a clear picture of your performance.
  • Celebrate your wins: When you hit a milestone or crush a goal, take a moment to celebrate. Acknowledging your successes will keep you motivated and energized.
  • Don’t be afraid to pivot: If something isn’t working, change course. Your real estate business plan should be flexible enough to accommodate new opportunities and shifting market conditions.
  • Stay accountable: Find an accountability partner, join a mastermind group, or work with a coach to help you stay on track and overcome obstacles.

“It’s the small wins on the long journey that we need in order to keep our confidence, joy, and motivation alive.”

Brendon Burchard headshot

Brendon Burchard


Remember, your real estate business plan is your roadmap to success. But even the best-laid plans need to be adjusted from time to time. By tracking your progress, staying flexible, and keeping your eye on the prize, you’ll be well on your way to building the real estate business of your dreams.

FAQs





Bringing It All Together

Now, you have a step-by-step guide to creating a real estate business plan that will take your career to the next level. Taking the extra time to map your path to success is an essential step in helping you achieve your goals. Spend the extra time—it’s worth it. Now, it’s time to do the work and make it happen. You’ve got this!

Have you created your real estate business plan? Did I miss any crucial steps? Let me know in the comments!

The post 7 Steps to Writing a Real Estate Business Plan (+ Template) appeared first on The Close.

Success in the real estate industry takes serious hustle and grit, no matter what the market is doing. It’s been rough out there lately, but don’t worry—I’ve got your back! I’ll share 11 awesome tips on how to make money as a real estate agent, even when things aren’t exactly booming. From making the most of tech to nurturing those all-important connections, these strategies will give you the tools to build a sustainable business. So, let’s dive in and get you on the path to success!

Key Takeaways

  • There are many ways to learn how to make money with a real estate license, including tapping unlikely lead sources.
  • Thinking outside the box can help build a multi-spoked real estate business by creating additional income streams in adjacent areas.
  • Some real estate niches, like luxury and commercial, are naturally more lucrative than others.
  • The best way to make money in real estate is to have great business and marketing plans to give yourself a roadmap toward monetary goals.

1. Leverage Your CRM to Keep Your Sphere Warm

Your sphere of influence is your secret weapon in real estate—and your customer relationship manager (CRM) is the key to unlocking its full potential. By setting up automated campaigns that keep you in touch with your contacts through emails and text messages, you’ll stay top of mind when they’re ready to make a move.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Create a targeted email campaign to educate buyers on the benefits of home ownership.
  • Write an email campaign that keeps your seller leads current on the latest market trends.
  • Send holiday emails, including client birthdays, home purchase anniversaries, National Donut Day, etc., to keep you top of mind with your sphere of influence.
  • Send automated quarterly emails to your sphere asking for referrals.
  • Create videos to embed in your text messages and emails (try a platform like BombBomb) sharing interesting facts about your town.
  • Send text messages to your past clients asking for 5-star reviews.
  • Share local events with your database via text and email.
  • Create an email newsletter for your database.
  • Set up listing alerts for your buyer leads to go out automatically when a new home that matches their criteria hits the market.
Person on his laptop looking at a CRM
A good CRM will help you stay in front of your database to keep leads flowing in.

With so many great CRM options tailored specifically for real estate agents, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget. Still trying to figure out where to start? Check out our article on the best real estate CRMs to find the perfect fit for your business. Trust me, investing in a solid CRM and putting it to work for you can make all the difference in keeping your pipeline full and your commissions flowing, no matter what the market’s doing.

2. Fill Your Pipeline With Paid Leads

When the market slows down, keeping your pipeline full is crucial—and paid real estate leads can be a game-changer. Whether you’re an individual agent, a team leader, or a broker, there are plenty of ways to keep those leads coming in. 

Check out some of my favorite paid lead generation companies:

  • Buyer leads: Zillow
  • Homesellers: SmartZip
  • Digital leads: Zurple
  • Affordable leads: zBuyer
  • Probate leads: Catalyze AI

These experts know how to target the right people with the right message at the right time, serving up hot leads ready to convert. However, not all paid leads are created equal. To make the most of your investment, be sure to:

  • Do your homework and choose a well-reviewed lead generation company.
  • Select a company that delivers quality leads that fit your target market.
  • Experiment with different lead generation strategies to find what works best for you.

With the right approach and a little bit of hustle, investing in paid leads can be a smart way to keep your business thriving, even when the market’s not cooperating. So, don’t be afraid to explore your options and find the perfect match for your business.

Market Leader's CRM dashboard helps keep you organized so you never lose leads
Market Leader’s dashboard is easy to use and feeds your leads directly into its built-in dashboard. (Source: Market Leader)

Looking for a powerful CRM that can also generate exclusive leads? Get a predictable number of exclusive and affordable social media leads monthly with Market Leader.

3. Control Your Destiny by Hitting the Phones

In a slow market, it’s easy to feel like success is out of your hands. But one tried-and-true strategy puts you back in the driver’s seat—hitting the phones and cold calling. This tactic is a powerful way to learn how to make money as a real estate agent and land some listings, even when the market is challenging.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—cold calling isn’t exactly the most popular strategy these days. And it’s true—it’s not for everyone. But hear me out! You’re taking control of your productivity and pipeline by reaching out to FSBOs, expireds, your farm, and other potential leads. And with some great cold-calling scripts in hand, your confidence will grow with each new call.

A woman looking at her laptop with a headset on her head, talking on the phone.
Cold calling may not be for everyone, but it’s a great way to keep productivity high in slow markets.

Here’s the thing: When you’re the one making the calls, you’re not waiting for leads to come to you. You’re actively seeking opportunities and starting conversations that can lead to real business. And while it may take some time to learn how to convert leads over the phone effectively, the payoff can be huge.

Of course, cold calling isn’t the easiest way to learn how to make money with a real estate license. It takes persistence, patience, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. But if you’re ready to put in the work and learn the skills, cold calling can be a compelling choice to keep your pipeline full and your business thriving, no matter what the market’s doing.

Get started with the right tools. If you’re ready to tackle this cold-calling strategy, REDX delivers fresh leads directly to your fingertips. You can choose which type of leads you want to work with and only pay for what you need. Plus, their built-in dialer saves your finger muscles from all the number-punching.

4. Find Future Buyers by Nurturing Renters

When the market slows down and buyer leads seem scarce, it’s time to get creative. One often-overlooked source of potential buyers? Renters! Targeting renters is a smart strategy when learning how to make money as a real estate salesperson, even when the market is challenging. The people signing leases could be your next big sale. By marketing directly to renters and nurturing their relationships, you can groom them to become your future buyer clients.

Think about it: Renters may not be ready to buy right now, but by staying in touch and providing valuable information about the homebuying process, you’ll be the one they think of when they are ready to take that next step.

Young couple smiling and holding up a set of house keys
Renters are a rich source of leads for future homebuyers.

So how do you tap into this potential gold mine of leads? Here are a few ideas:

  • Offer free resources, like a “Renter’s Guide to Buying a Home” or a “How Much Home Can I Afford?” calculator.
  • Host informational seminars or webinars specifically geared toward renters (partner with a lender to get those questions answered).
  • Partner with local apartment complexes to provide referral incentives.
  • Use targeted social media ads to reach potential renters in your area.

📌   Pro Tip

Focusing on renters and building relationships over time will cultivate a pipeline of potential buyer leads without breaking the bank on paid leads. This well-tested method can pay off big when those renters are ready to become homeowners.

5. Build Relationships With Developers 

When the market starts to cool and traditional sources of business start to dry up, building relationships with real estate developers and investors can be a lifeline. Here’s the thing: While the average buyer may be tightening their purse strings in a slow market, investors tend to do the opposite. They know that the secret to building real estate wealth is to buy when everyone else is sitting on the sidelines—and they typically have the means or know some hard money lenders to do it.

Woman with a hardhat looking at a blueprint and talking to a man with a hardhat.
Real estate developers and investors can be lucrative transaction sources, especially in a down market.

As Warren Buffett famously said, “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” When the market is retreating, and everyone else is watching their pennies, that’s when savvy investors are ready to pounce.

So, how can you find real estate investors and tap into this revenue source? It all starts with building relationships. Here are a few ideas:

  • Attend local real estate investor meetups and networking events.
  • Join online forums and social media groups geared toward developers and investors.
  • Offer specialized services, like property management or renovation consulting.
  • Provide valuable market insights and data to help investors make informed decisions.

Of course, working with investors isn’t always easy. They can be demanding and may have different priorities than traditional buyers. But if you’re willing to do the work and build those relationships over time, you may just find that investors are the key to keeping your pipeline full and your business growing—and a dynamic way to learn how to make money as a real estate agent. 

Need to learn the inside scoop on hard money lenders to share with your investor clients? Check out Kiavi. From bridge loans to fix-and-flip funding, Kiavi uses state-of-the-art tech to streamline the process and make funding easier for investors.

6. Choose a Lucrative Niche

When learning how to make money in real estate, there are plenty of opportunities across all types of properties and markets. But if you’re looking to maximize your earning potential, a few specific areas tend to be more lucrative than others.

Commercial Real Estate

One of the most profitable areas of real estate is commercial property. This niche includes everything from office buildings and retail spaces to warehouses and industrial properties. Commercial real estate deals are larger and more complex than residential transactions, often with higher commissions and fees. Commercial properties often have longer lease terms and more stable tenants, which can provide a steady income stream over time.

However, breaking into the commercial real estate market can be challenging, especially for agents who are used to working with residential clients. In most cases, you’ll need to obtain additional designations, such as the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, to show your expertise and credibility in the commercial space.

Luxury Real Estate

If commercial real estate isn’t your cup of tea, luxury real estate is another highly profitable area to consider. This market focuses on high-end properties and affluent clients, which can translate to significant commissions and fees. Unlike commercial real estate, you don’t necessarily need additional licenses or designations to break into the luxury market—although pursuing certifications like the Luxury Homes Certification can help establish your credibility and expertise.

One of the biggest advantages of working in the luxury real estate market is that the skills and strategies you’ve developed in residential real estate are highly transferable. You’ll still need to focus on building relationships, providing exceptional client service, and staying up to date on market trends and best practices, but you won’t need to start from scratch regarding your knowledge and experience.

If you’re interested in making the transition from residential to luxury real estate, there are a few key steps you can take to set yourself up for success:

  • Educate yourself on the luxury market and the unique needs and preferences of high-end clients.
  • Build a strong personal brand and online presence that showcases your expertise and value proposition.
  • Network with other luxury agents, brokers, and industry professionals to expand your reach and referral opportunities.
  • Develop a targeted marketing strategy that speaks directly to the needs and desires of luxury buyers and sellers.
  • Provide exceptional, white-glove service that goes above and beyond what clients expect.

For more detailed guidance on becoming a luxury real estate agent, check out our guide that walks you through the process step-by-step.

And if you’re really ready to level up your real estate business, explore the gorg website designs of Luxury Presence. If you’re competing with other luxury real estate pros, you’ll need a site that can keep up. Your image is important in the luxury game, and you’ll need high-end branding. Luxury Presence is an all-in-one platform that manages your online presence with stunning websites that generate leads to help you get your sophisticated brand out in front of all the right eyeballs.

Ultimately, the type of real estate that makes the most money will depend on your unique skills, interests, and market opportunities. Whether you specialize in commercial, luxury, or another niche market, the key is continuously educating yourself, building your network, and providing exceptional value to your clients. With the right strategy and mindset, you can build a highly profitable and rewarding career in any area of real estate.

7. Identify an Underserved Niche

When the competition is fierce and the market is slow, it’s time to get specific. One of the smartest strategies for standing out and generating leads is identifying an underserved real estate niche in your market and becoming the go-to expert in that area. If you want to know how to make money in real estate agent niches, this is how to do it.

Now, you might be thinking—won’t narrowing my focus limit my potential business? But the truth is, the smaller your niche, the more targeted (and effective) your marketing efforts can be. By honing in on a specific group of buyers or sellers, you can tailor your messaging, build deeper relationships, and establish yourself as the authority in that space.

Three horses hanging over a fence on a horse ranch.
Horse farms or equestrian facilities can be a fun and passionate real estate niche.

So, what are some potential real estate niches to explore? Here are just a few examples:

Keep in mind that not every niche will be a fit for every market. While military housing might be an ample opportunity in some areas, it may not be relevant in others. And beachfront condos might be a hot commodity in coastal towns, but they’re probably not a factor in inland cities.

The key is to identify a niche that aligns with your market and expertise and then go all-in on becoming the best in that space. Focus all your marketing efforts around that niche, from your website and social media presence to your networking and referral strategies. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to answering questions about how to make money as a realtor.

And don’t be afraid to get ultra-specific. For example, instead of focusing on “farmhouses,” you might specialize in “horse farms or equestrian facilities from 5 to 25 acres.” The more targeted your niche, the easier it will be to establish yourself as the go-to resource for that group.

8. Become the Expert Other Agents Turn To

One real estate side hustle that offers multiple benefits is becoming the agent other agents turn to for advice and expertise. By positioning yourself as a leader and educator in your industry, you’ll attract more buyers and sellers and create opportunities to monetize your knowledge.

Here’s how:

  • Start by centering your marketing efforts on teaching other agents how to build their businesses.
  • Share your insights, strategies, and best practices through blog posts, social media content, and online courses.
  • Create digital tools and resources that other agents find valuable, like checklists, templates, and downloadable guides.
  • Capture the email addresses of agents who download your tools so you can continue to market to them.
  • If you have design skills, consider creating digital products to sell online (think Etsy).
  • Look into becoming a faculty member with your state association to teach agents CE credit courses to maintain their licenses.
  • Share your knowledge on a larger platform by becoming a freelance writer for real estate publications like TheClose.com or realtor.com.

By monetizing your expertise in this way, you can create a lucrative side hustle that complements your core real estate business.

 Screenshot of Katie Lance's website with her smiling and pointing to her name.
Katie Lance has become a resource in social media, video, and real estate tech. (Source: Katie Lance)

Becoming a real estate expert other agents turn to takes time, effort, and consistency to build your reputation and establish yourself as a thought leader. But the payoff can be huge—not just in generating leads and closing deals but also in creating additional revenue streams that can help you ride out any market.

9. Manage Properties That Don’t Sell

As a real estate agent, you’ve probably encountered this scenario before: You’ve listed a property for a client, but due to circumstances beyond their control (like a military relocation), they must move before the home sells. While this can be frustrating for everyone involved, it also presents a unique opportunity for you to expand your services and generate additional revenue.

One smart strategy is to offer to manage the property for your client as a rental. By taking on the role of property manager, you can help your client avoid the stress and hassle of dealing with tenants and maintenance issues from afar—all while creating a new income stream for your business.

Of course, before you start offering property management services, there are a few key things to remember. Check with your broker to ensure that your brokerage is set up to manage properties and that you follow all in-house rules and regulations. In some states (like Florida), you may need a broker’s license to manage rental properties for others legally, so be sure to do your due diligence and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

A blue and silver sign that says Property Management
Property management can be a steady and reliable source of income for your real estate business.

Assuming you’re able to move forward with property management, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:

  • Communicate clearly with your client about your fees, services, and expectations.
  • Screen tenants carefully to ensure a good fit and minimize turnover.
  • Stay on top of maintenance and repair issues to keep the property in top condition.
  • Keep detailed records of all income and expenses for tax purposes.

By offering property management services, you can provide a valuable solution for clients whose homes don’t sell right away—and create a lucrative new revenue stream for your business in the process. And who knows? You may even discover a passion for property management, leading to a new career path.

10. Create a Solid Business Plan

One of the biggest mistakes new agents make is assuming that simply having an active real estate license is enough to start raking in the dough. In reality, success in real estate requires a clear plan and a strategic approach. That’s where a clearly defined business plan and marketing plan come in.

Your business plan should outline your goals, target market, unique value proposition, and financial projections. It should also include a detailed budget for marketing, technology, and continuing education expenses. By treating your real estate career like a business from day one, you’ll be better equipped to make smart decisions and invest in the right tools and resources to help you grow.

Your marketing plan, on the other hand, should focus on how you’ll attract and retain clients. This plan might include tactics like:

  • Building a strong online presence through a professional website and social media profiles.
  • Networking with other local businesses and community organizations.
  • Developing a niche or specialty to differentiate yourself from competitors.
  • Creating valuable content (like blog posts or videos) to establish yourself as a thought leader.
  • Leveraging email marketing and other outreach strategies to stay top-of-mind with past and potential clients.

By creating a comprehensive marketing plan and executing it consistently, you’ll be able to generate a steady stream of leads and build a reputation as a go-to agent in your market.

So, how do you make money as a real estate agent? It certainly takes effort and strategic planning. But for those willing to treat their real estate career like a business and work to build a strong foundation, the rewards can be life-changing.

11. Manage Expectations Based on Your Specific Market

Many agents set a goal of making six figures, but the path to achieving it can look different for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula on how to make money as a real estate agent—instead, it’s about understanding your market, setting clear goals, and consistently taking action to move the needle forward. 

One of the first things to consider when aiming for a six-figure income is your market and niche. Real estate agent salaries vary from one market to another. In some areas, selling a single multi-million-dollar property could be enough to generate a six-figure commission. In others, you may need to sell a dozen or more homes at a lower price to achieve the same goal. Understanding your market and the types of properties and clients you want to work with is key to creating a realistic and achievable plan for success.

Set Concrete Goals

Once you clearly understand your market and niche, it’s time to set some concrete goals. This phase is where reverse engineering comes in. Start with your ultimate goal (e.g., making six figures in a year) and work backward to determine what you need to do each month, week, and day to get there. For example, if you know you need to sell 12 homes at an average price of $300,000 to make six figures, you can break that down into monthly, weekly, and daily targets for prospecting, setting appointments, and closings.

Learn to Convert Leads

But setting goals is only part of the equation—you also need the skills and strategies to achieve them. One of the most important skills for any real estate agent is the ability to convert leads into clients. This ability means mastering the art of asking leading questions, handling objections, and turning “no’s” into “yeses.” Any time you invest in learning and practicing these skills is time well-spent, as it can directly impact your ability to generate more business and close more deals.

In addition to lead conversion skills, there are a few other real estate agent tips that can help you achieve a six-figure income as a real estate agent:

  • Build a strong personal brand and online presence to attract more leads and referrals.
  • Focus on providing exceptional client service to generate repeat and referral business.
  • Continually invest in your education and professional development to stay ahead of market trends and best practices.
  • Leverage technology and automation to streamline your business and free up more time for revenue-generating activities.
  • Surround yourself with a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and industry experts who can provide guidance and accountability.

Ultimately, making a six-figure gross commission income (GCI) as a real estate agent is about setting clear goals, developing the skills and strategies to achieve them, and consistently taking action toward your vision. It’s not easy—but with hard work, persistence, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt, it’s an achievable goal for any agent committed to success in the industry.

FAQs



Your Take

How to make money as a real estate agent is a big question. Many roads lead to a lucrative real estate business. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. The trick is there is no trick—you can achieve as much success as you’re willing to work for. The beautiful thing about real estate is you can make it into anything you want. Whether you want to become a coach, a real estate investor, a template designer, or the most successful luxury agent in your market, the world is your oyster. But first, be sure to set clear goals so you’ll have a roadmap to get where you want to go.

Do you have a cool real estate money-making secret? How are you designing your real estate empire? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

The post How to Make Money as a Real Estate Agent: 11 Strategies to Earn More appeared first on The Close.

I love attending real estate conferences like Inman Connect New York (ICNY). It gives me a chance to get face-to-face with agents who are experiencing challenges head-on. It also allows me to ask agents and vendors alike about the coolest real estate tech toys everyone is talking about. I sat down with a lot of people at ICNY 2024 to find out the latest real estate technology trends and what might be coming around the corner. Here is my roundup of the most compelling stuff I learned.

1. Intuitive AI Integrations are on the Rise (But With a Caveat) 

What I’m seeing from the conference 

Many companies incorporate AI into their platforms, especially for lead qualifying and nurturing. The AI is improving at mimicking human interactions, asking questions that make sense, and giving clients a more robust user experience. As much as agents feared incorporating artificial intelligence into their workflow, the sizable amount of data collected and delivered to agents will become too challenging to manage alone.

How will it impact agents in the field?

The idea is to help agents manage more significant amounts of leads so that fewer slip through the cracks. These lead gen companies are generating tons of leads, but agents need more time to work the leads through to the closing table. Most of these companies are trying to take the heavy lifting out of lead conversion to positively impact the ROI for agents.

My takeaway

I love this for agents! Working leads, especially the leads that are more than six months away from converting, is a huge time suck. Any company that can help agents convert more of their paid and organic leads is a partner in my book. 

In fact, one of the coolest AI iterations I saw at Inman Connect New York was ROOF from Offrs. Their  AI assistant does more than help you with leads. It will set appointments, segment your marketing audience, automate marketing efforts, track website visitors’ behaviors, and much more. Raia has a memory, so it can pick up a conversation even if your lead leaves the site and returns later. It’s pretty impressive!

Check out ROOF from Offrs

2. Overproduced Videos Are Out 

What I’m seeing from the conference 

Many speakers at Inman Connect New York stressed the importance of authenticity in marketing. One element that was singled out is the overproduced videos we’ve seen so much of since video first took over social media. Kyle Scott, President of SERHANT Ventures, specifically said, “Raw is in” for 2024. Audiences are immune to the overly polished, overproduced content agents have created. It’s time to just get on camera, no makeup, hair in a messy bun, and show clips of you doing you in real life. 

Check out our video with Kyle here.

How will it impact agents in the field?

This trend is good news for agents. If anyone hesitates to get on video because they’re afraid it won’t be “perfect,” this is liberating. Your audience wants to get to know you so you can let go of the idea that you must look perfect and polished every time you get in front of the camera. 

My takeaway

I would love to see more agents take advantage of this easily accessible way of communicating with their clients and leads. Here’s the truth–you’re not used to seeing yourself while talking, but everyone around you is. So, let people like you for you. This rawness is how your audience is going to connect with you. We’re entering a new era where the old methods of trying to reach your audience will be taboo–no one wants to get into a legal situation over cold-calling or door-knocking, but that’s becoming a thing. So, now is the time to lean into this authentic marketing that lives online.

3. Closed Ecosystems Are Coming On Strong

What I’m seeing from the conference

In the past, I’ve pushed against these all-in-one ecosystems, called walled gardens, because I like having options. But more and more, companies are creating exclusive ecosystems, and agents are taking advantage of an all-in-one system that handles everything from lead capture and prioritization to hand-off when the lead is hot. These companies are, in essence, building an entire system that runs the back end of real estate agents’ businesses from end to end.

How will it impact agents in the field?

For agents who are not tech-savvy, these walled gardens are ideal. What’s great about them is they make things simple for agents. For example, companies like Zurple or Lofty start with an IDX website that gives users a positive experience to keep them returning. Then, it deploys lead generation strategies, nurturing, funneling from outside lead gen sources, and lead prioritization on autopilot within its built-in CRM.  

My takeaway

In my experience, agents typically aren’t great at follow-up or lead conversion. With the new AI integrations taking this lift, agents will see a higher return on investment from these platforms. My only issue is that for new agents just starting, the investment for this tech level might be a lot to take on. I didn’t close my first deal until I was six months in the business. Paying hundreds of dollars monthly for tech in my real estate business until that first transaction closed might have bankrupted me before I started. 

These walled gardens aren’t made for solo agents anyway. I talked with an agent at the conference about how things are moving towards more team structures, leaving solo agents out in the cold. One of the speakers, Mauricio Umansky, founder and CEO of The Agency, said that boutique brokerages will become extinct within several years.

4. Using Real Estate Technology for Transparency in Negotiations is In

What I’m seeing from the conference

I visited Final Offer, a real estate technology company to watch while exploring the vendors at Inman Connect New York. Final Offer allows listing agents to place their listings on the platform and track listing prices, best offer pricing, and seller terms to get the house sold quickly. A listing agent can share as much or as little information as they and their seller agree. Still, anyone who has favorited the listing will be notified when an offer is submitted, opening the floor for anyone else who may have been interested in submitting an offer.

Snapshot of Final Offer booth sign from Inman Connect New York 2024

How will it impact agents in the field?

One thing that has become painfully obvious is our clients, both buyers and sellers, have an innate distrust for our industry. As real estate agents, we are responsible for creating more transparency in what we do for our clients. This real estate technology trend is timely, with the real estate commission lawsuits still looming.  

My takeaway

This type of tech is the future of real estate technology. If clients demand more transparency in their real estate transactions, more tech that allows everyone to get on the same page in real time will enter the field. I love their platform and its ability to expose transactions, creating a transparency that has been touted as a needed shift in our industry. 


Your Take On Real Estate Technology Trends

Inman Connect New York was an exciting event, and I got to take in a lot. I love going to conferences, and if I walk away with one little nugget, something that I can take back and implement in my business, it is worth the investment. This year at ICNY 2024 I was blown away by all the amazing technology in real estate that’s being created to help agents build more relationships, increase their lead gen ROI, and close more transactions.  Did you attend Inman Connect New York this year? What were your takeaways? Let me know in the comments!

The post 4 Real Estate Technology Trends to Watch in 2024 appeared first on The Close.

I explored and conversed with tons of real estate tech pioneers on the floor at Inman Connect New York. Some significant innovations are hitting the industry, and I’m excited about how they’re making life easier for agents and leveling the playing field. Here are some of my favorite real estate technology companies from the conference to watch for in 2024.

The Close’s Top Picks for Real Estate Technology Companies

Real Estate Tech Company What They Offer
NEO Listing service exclusively for new construction
Lofty Voice AI that engages with your leads
Final Offer Visibility on offers submitted on listings
Localize AI AI plus human engagement to work lead from capture to close
Sphere Virtual walkthrough videos created with your iPhone
HomeHQ.ai AI assistance on listing marketing to improve closing rates
Offrs ROOF AI that integrates with your existing syste
Broker Blocks Intuitive assistance once the lead is hot

1. NEO (New Estate Only)

New Estate Only logo
New Estate Only (NEO) logo (Source: NEO)

NEO is a listing service exclusively for new construction. It allows more sustainable marketing for property developers. Plus, it opens up the market to the international community. One thing about the multiple listing services agents currently use is it’s not an ideal setup for new construction. The days on market tend to hurt new construction as they languish in a system prioritizing the most recent listings. This real estate tech company showcases the listings’ unbuilt features instead of focusing on how long the home has been waiting for a buyer. 

Why NEO is on Our List

One of the coolest features of NEO is its ability to allow investors to use Bitcoin at the point of sale in the transaction. That opens many doors for home buyers from countries where Bitcoin is much more prevalent than in the U.S. I definitely see this as a real estate tech trend coming in the near future.

Visit NEO


2. Lofty

Lofty (formerly Chime) logo
Lofty Real Estate Solutions logo (Source: Lofty)

Formerly Chime, Lofty is looking to dominate the all-in-one space, and it might have the chops to do so. Lofty is an all-in-one exclusive platform, known in the tech world as a walled garden. It now offers voice AI for phone conversations with your clients and leads. It’s scary and exciting at the same time. 

Why Lofty is on Our List

The Voice AI is a new feature launched ahead of Inman Connect New York. It receives real-time phone calls and interacts with leads and clients like a personal assistant. I learned it can make outbound calls, as well. So, when you need to contact a client about an upcoming inspection or set a showing appointment, you can relay that to your Lofty AI. That is wild!

Visit Lofty


3. Final Offer

Final Offer logo
Final Offer negotiation platform logo (Source: Final Offer)

Final Offer is a real estate tech company that keeps everything in a transaction open to sellers, buyers, and agents. Agents will have some control over how much people see on the platform. Still, when a home is on the market and receives an offer, the software will notify everyone interested in the listing that an offer has been submitted. 

Why Final Offer is on Our List

While talking with the ladies at the Final Offer booth, I couldn’t help but think that their product will become ubiquitous in the coming year. It creates a level of transparency that hasn’t ever existed in this space. And with the latest in buyer commissions, the distrust between buyers and agents, and lawsuits making their way through the courts, this could quickly quell some of the chatter. I can see real estate associations adding this kind of software to their menu of benefits to justify those Realtor association dues. And keep an eye out for more real estate tech companies entering this field with myriad ways to elucidate transactions.

Visit Final Offer


4. Localize AI

 Localize OS logo
Localize OS suite for real estate logo (Source: Localize OS)

Localized AI lives within the Localize OS family of services. It combines the power of AI for lead nurturing and follow-up with actual human interaction. The AI, Hunter, will immediately interact with a lead upon capture. But if the lead asks a question the AI doesn’t know the answer to, it refers them to someone, a live human, who can answer it. That person has a strong incentive to help agents get a client to closing by claiming a chunk of the commission. 

Why Localize AI is on Our List

I see the value of Localize AI, but it seems like an overreach to charge agents each month for this service and then take a 15% commission at the end of the transaction. Localize AI could be a major contender in the real estate tech company space, I just hope they get rid of the 15% referral fee.

Visit Localize AI


5. Sphere

Sphere.app logo

With Sphere, agents can use their iPhones to take a video of a listing. Then, Sphere will create an immersive walkthrough video for a fraction of the price of Matterport. It’s a new real estate tech company that could be a serious game changer for agents. We, as agents, know the value of a virtual walkthrough in our listings, but paying for a Matterport tour is expensive. 

Why Sphere is on Our List

I really enjoyed seeing Sphere in action! I love that Sphere could make this technology more accessible to agents who may not have the budget for the Matterport cameras. Sphere makes it super easy–all you need is your iPhone. The only caveat is that you can only use an iPhone 12 or later model. I only have an iPhone 11, so it didn’t work on my phone. But my coworker, Nick Thomas, has an iPhone 13, so it worked perfectly on his. If Sphere can roll this out soon, I can see them ranking as one of the top real estate tech companies of 2024.

Visit Sphere


6. HomeHQ.ai

HomeHQ.ai logo
HomeHQ.ai logo (Source: HomeHQ.ai)

The way HomeHQ.ai works is each agent and listing gets an individual AI bot. So, when a lead pulls up a listing, a chatbot pops up to represent the agent on the listing. The lead receives a friendly greeting, “Hi, I’m [agent’s name}’s AI assistant, and I’m here to answer questions about {listing address}. So, the lead knows it’s an AI bot, but the AI assistant engages in a conversation about the listing to help answer questions. 

Why HomeHQ.ai is on Our List

I was impressed with this real estate tech company. It’s not widely available yet, but it can be huge for agents once it gains traction. The thing I loved the most about HomeHQ.ai is the ability to analyze the marketing for the listings and then offer advice on how to improve it. I couldn’t stop reading the AI suggestions in the easy-to-read dashboard. The company designed the dashboard so the broker can see every listing and know what needs to happen to get the listing closer to being sold.

Visit HomeHQ.ai


7. Offrs ROOF

Offrs ROOF logo
Offrs ROOF AI for real estate logo (Souce: roofre.com)

What Offrs has that other AI chatbots don’t is that RAIA can engage in conversation with leads, summarize and score every interaction, and seamlessly integrate with existing systems sets. RAIA seamlessly integrates with your current system, feeds leads into your existing CRM, and identifies ones that need immediate attention. These features streamline the process from capture to close. 

Why Offrs ROOF is on Our List

I love that Offrs lets you build the system you want with tools you already love. There are tons of walled gardens out there.  But for the agents who have been with their current tools a long time, transferring your entire database to another system is a lot more trouble than it’s worth. And that’s not including all of the expertly crafted drip campaigns created over time. For those agents, accessing a powerful AI lead nurturing tool that easily integrates with your existing systems is pure gold.

Visit Offrs ROOF


8. Broker Blocks

Broker Blocks logo
BrokerBlocks logo (Source: BrokerBlocks)

Broker Blocks scrapes thousands of breadcrumbs about your leads so you can provide a tailored experience as they make their way through your sales funnel. Agents can even send the most appropriate and likely-to-be-loved closing gifts based on the person’s personality, hobbies, likes and dislikes, etc. Say goodbye to generic closing gifts and hello to personalized gifts that indeed leave a lasting impression.

Why Broker Blocks is on Our List

Broker Blocks is still in development, but I had a chance to sit down with one of the founders, who showed me how it works. There are two things I love about what this tech does. First, it picks up in the middle of the sales process and guides agents and their clients through to the end of the transaction. It focuses on the point in the sale funnel where the lead is already hot and gives touchpoints for the agent to perform throughout the rest of the process. I love this because no one else is doing it.

The second thing I love is that it standardizes the process and does the heavy lifting mentally for agents. I can’t even begin to calculate the hours I spent trying to decipher what type of closing gifts would delight my clients. Data that tells me what my clients would like and what would be an appropriate amount of money to spend would have been priceless to me as an agent.

Visit Broker Blocks


Your Take

One of my favorite things is attending conferences like Inman Connect New York and talking to the people behind some amazing real estate tech companies. I love seeing their faces light up as they explain how their tech will help agents in the field. I got to shake hands with these innovators and see their technology in action. 

These are just a few of the cutting-edge top real estate tech companies I got to check out this time around. But it’s by no means an exhaustive list. Did you attend ICNY 2024? Did you see some cool stuff I missed? Let me know in the comments!

The post 8 Real Estate Technology Companies to Watch for in 2024 appeared first on The Close.

With so many real estate apps on the market today, figuring out which ones deserve space on your phone or iPad isn’t easy. That’s why we put together this list of the most innovative real estate apps that are helping Realtors stay organized, market their brands, and close more deals in 2024 and beyond.

We’ve revised our picks and gave an update on two promising new apps making waves on the conference circuit. We organized our selections by category, so be sure to use the table of contents on the left (or top of the page on mobile) to find your new favorite app.

📌   Pro Tip

Don’t just download every app on this list! Start with three or four and see what works best for your business.

Best Real Estate Apps for Lead Generation

1. StreetText

StreetText platform and leads.
Example of StreetText ad platform (Source: StreetText)


  • Pricing:

    $160-$250 per month

If you want to generate leads from Facebook ads without the steep learning curve, StreetText is for you. StreetText simplifies the complicated process of creating and optimizing Facebook ads and business pages. You get verified phone numbers, emails, and social media profiles and can integrate the tool with existing CRMs and email platforms. Even better, they tailor the results for real estate agents. 

Unlike other Facebook ad platforms, StreetText seems to understand just how critical speed to lead is for agents. It’s not cheap, but for the time and stress you save, we think it’s a bargain for those who count Facebook as a major part of their marketing strategies.

Related Article
How to Create Real Estate Facebook Ads That Actually Generate Leads


2. Zillow Premier Agent

zillow premier agent CRM displayed on cell phone
Example of the Zillow Premier Agent app interface (Source: Zillow)


  • Pricing:

    Free with Zillow Premier Agent membership

The Zillow Premier Agent app is a must-have if you have listings on Zillow—or ever want listings on Zillow. It has task management, lead sorting, and even lead assignment and other features for teams.

The app also offers a surprisingly robust free customer relationship manager (CRM) that lets you import leads from BoomTown or realtor.com through Gmail. You can set up tasks, reminders, texts, and emails. But also—if you sign up for their My Agent program, which makes you the only buyer’s agent your leads see on Zillow—it gives you a granular look at what your leads are searching for on Zillow.

Visit Zillow


Best Real Estate Apps for Open Houses

3. Curb Hero

curb hero sign in kiosk graphic
Sample Curb Hero landing page (Source: Curb Hero)


  • Pricing:

    Free

Over the past few years, Curb Hero has become the go-to app for agents who regularly run open houses. It’s 100% free, customizable, and even offers a QR code sign-in feature. Curb Hero also offers custom branding for bigger brokerages, text and email follow-up tools, lead verification, single-property websites, and CRM integrations.

Visit Curb Hero


4. Spacio

Spacio displayed on a tablet
Spacio interface example (Source: Spacio)


  • Pricing:

    Starting at $25 per month

If you want more bells and whistles for teams in your open house sign-in app, Spacio is a solid choice. It offers team-wide reporting, agent management, gated access to leads, auto-populated listings, and default form questions for agents. Since being acquired by HomeSpotter, the company has added some open house marketing and digital advertising product tools as well.

Visit Spacio


5. Kagent

Kagent logo


  • Pricing:

    Free-$25 per month

Kagent is a free tool that allows you to generate a digital sign-in sheet for your open house. Visitors scan the QR code and fill out the form, and the app emails them their responses. Kagent is free for unlimited use and has integrations via Zapier, which you can use to connect your account to over 3,000 other apps and CRM systems. Open houses are a great place to start for readers looking for ways to digitize their business. Nobody wants to use a pen and paper anymore! In that sense, Kagent can be one of the most useful real estate apps for agents. 

The bonus of a paid plan is that Kagent will not share your visitor’s open house information with third parties. Another cool feature that sets Kagent apart is that you can enter your visitors into a free prize drawing for $500.

Visit Kagent

6. Open Home Pro

mockup of Open Home Pro displayed on a tablet
Open Home Pro interface (Source: Open Home Pro)


  • Pricing:

    Free-$25 per month

Now owned by Placester, Open Home Pro is another excellent option for bringing your open house into the 21st century. Like Curb Hero and Spacio, Open Home Pro can send automated follow-up emails to open house guests and features one-touch social sharing.

Visit Open Home Pro

Related Article
11 Open House Apps Tech-savvy Agents Are Using to Get More Leads


Best Apps for Real Estate Marketing

7. Freshchat

Example Freshchat Conversation.
Example Freshchat conversation (Source: Freshchat)


  • Pricing:

    Free-$69 per month

Let’s face it: In 2024, leads are a little spoiled. They expect (and very often get) nearly instant responses to their online inquiries. That’s why chatbots like Freshchat are so crucial for your website. You can give prospects an instant response, answering their questions with a programmed bot. Or better yet, respond personally to their query on your phone just like you would a text message.

Visit Freshchat


8. Pivo Real Estate

Pivo Real Estate logo.


  • Pricing:

    $400 one-time purchase

Pivo is a game-changing tool for agents. It’s an advanced, high-quality motion-tracking camera and a world-class photo editing app in one. Its standout feature is the AI-powered tracking that revolutionizes how you showcase homes. You can now create captivating videos for open houses, new listings, and your 3D home tours from within the app. 

For a one-time purchase of $400, you have unlimited access to create as many videos as you like and store them in the app. Compared to traditional 3D home tour methods like Matterport (which can range from $350 to $600 per listing), Pivo can pay for itself with just one listing. This could be a no-brainer investment if you’re strong on video for your brand.

Visit Pivo Real Estate

9. Buffer

Buffer app ad.
Buffer app ad (Source: Buffer)


  • Pricing:

    Free-$6 per month

Even though competition in the real estate software industry is fierce, it’s nothing compared to social media management platforms. Take the investment and user base for your average real estate software and triple it. That translates to the thoughtful features of Buffer, such as advice on when and how to post content, automated engagement reports, and collaboration tools.

Visit Buffer


10. LabCoat Agents Marketing Center

Sample templates from LCA Marketing.
Sample templates from LCA Marketing (Source: LCA Marketing)


  • Pricing:

    $59 per month for individual agents; $249 per month for teams up to 10

Feel inspired to create an Instagram story in line at Starbucks? With an app like the LabCoat Agents Marketing Center, you can capitalize on that burst of creativity without pulling out your laptop.

The first comprehensive marketing platform designed just for real estate agents, LabCoat Agents (LCA) Marketing Center lets real estate pros quickly create gorgeous social media posts on the fly. It also offers a one-stop shop to create or edit tons of other marketing templates for business cards, flyers, door hangers, and more.

Visit LCA Marketing Center

Related Article
LabCoat Agents Marketing Center Review: Pricing, Features & More


11. BombBomb

Man on phone screen, ready to record a video. There's a loop that shows the Gmail, Outlook and Salesforce icons.
BombBomb interface and top integrations (Source: BombBomb)


  • Pricing:

    Starting at $39 per month

BombBomb is an app that allows you to incorporate video messaging into your client communication through various channels. Reach out to your clients individually or automate a campaign of videos to email to all your contacts. It’s a great way to stand out from your competitors, build better relationships with your clients, and help build loyalty (it’s all about those referrals!).

BombBomb’s mobile app is top-notch, with iOS and Google Play reviews at 4.8 and 4.7 stars, respectively. If you’re looking for a way to connect with your audience via video, BombBomb is a great way to integrate video into your workflow seamlessly.

Visit BombBomb


12. Zillow 3D Home

Zillow 3D Home benefits from the App Store (Source: Zillow 3D Home Tour)


  • Pricing:

    Free

These days, buyers have come to expect a 3D tour. With this app, it’s free and easy. Zillow 3D Home lets you upload a 3D home tour without professional equipment—you only need your phone. It’s pretty cool that you can build your 3D home tour without an expensive Matterport camera. 

Even better, your tour will automatically be posted to your listing on Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin. You can also share it on social media and your MLS.

Visit Zillow 3D Home Tour


13. Canva

Canva header image
Canva app (Source: Canva for iOS)


  • Pricing:

    Free-$9.99 per month

When I worked in advertising, our publisher complained about spending over $1,000 on Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. That cost isn’t easy to swallow for any business owner. Luckily today, apps like Canva offer basic Photoshop-like functionality for free.

You can use Canva to design nearly anything—social media posts, videos, door hangers, flyers, business cards, and a lot more. It’s free and quick to use. Try it out to level up your design game.

Visit Canva


14. Houzz

Houzz app displayed on cell phones
Houzz app interface and examples (Source: IdeasUsher)


  • Pricing:

    Free

Download the free Houzz app if you have design-focused clients and want to be a rock star at your next showing or open house. Along with contractor recommendations and shopping, Houzz has an augmented reality feature that lets you preview what a room might look like furnished—right from your phone during a showing. Perfect for demonstrating the potential of under-construction or dated homes.

Visit Houzz


15. Animoto

Animoto


  • Pricing:

    Free-$39 per month

Animoto is an all-in-one video maker that makes creating and editing videos on the fly much easier. You can shoot a video, add titles, transitions, images, and music, and share your creation on social media. The free version offers music tracks and custom colors, though you’ll have to sign up for a paid plan if you want high-definition videos (1080p) or want to ditch the Animoto branding.

Visit Animoto


16. magicplan

magicplan app displayed on several devices
magicplan layout examples and interface (Source: magicplan)


  • Pricing:

    Free for up to two projects; $10 (per user, per month) for unlimited projects

In a perfect world, we would all get detailed floor plans, well-shot images, and a neat and orderly list of recent renovations for every listing. Of course, none of us live in a perfect world, so we all have to make do when buyers ask about simple things like floor plans or wonder how much new countertops might cost.

Thankfully, magicplan supplies you with quick answers that will likely sate buyers’ curiosity until you can bring in a contractor to get the work done. You can generate on-demand floor plans by scanning a room with your mobile device and then uploading that floor plan to create cost estimates, 3D tours, and more.

Visit magicplan

Related Article
9 Real Estate Marketing Tools Every Agent Needs in 2024


Best Real Estate CRM Apps

17. Top Producer



  • Pricing:

    $429

Top Producer Follow-up coach snapshot.

Top Producer is a real estate CRM that includes a lead generation platform with automated nurturing. As part of its latest lead-generating package, Social Connect, the company’s advertising experts create Facebook and Instagram ads to promote your listings and brand to generate leads. Those leads are then sent directly to your Top Producer CRM, where the automated nurturing system kicks in, increasing your conversion rate

Check out Top Producer Social Connect


18. LionDesk

LionDesk on multiple devices, including laptop, desktop, tablet and smartphone interfaces.
Example of LionDesk on multiple platforms (Source: LionDesk)


  • Pricing:

    $25 per month (Try it out for 14 days free)

If you ask the average agent what they want from a CRM in 2024, you’ll probably get two answers: affordability and lead generation. Well, apparently, LionDesk is listening.

LionDesk CRM is affordable for almost any agent at $25 per month and includes built-in Facebook marketing. Take LionDesk for a 14-day test drive—no strings attached.

Visit LionDesk

Related Article
LionDesk CRM Review: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons


19. CINC

CINC app displayed on cell phone
Example of the CINC platform (Source: CINC)


  • Pricing:

    Custom

CINC operates almost like an inside sales agent. It monitors your incoming leads and acts as your personal concierge—getting prospects on the phone, qualifying them, and connecting them straight to you.

Automatic lead nurturing without the back and forth to get an appointment? It’ll save you a ton of time and increase your conversion rate.

Visit CINC


20. Sierra Interactive

sierra interactive app displayed on cell phone
Example of Sierra Interactive mobile app (Source: Sierra Interactive Mobile Store)


  • Pricing:

    Starting at $500 per month for five users

Sierra’s app allows you to run your entire real estate business from anywhere—even sitting on the beach. Unlike some CRMs, this isn’t some stripped-down version of desktop software. You can nurture leads, send bulk emails, manage showings, list properties, and track your team’s performance quickly and easily from your iPad. 

Sierra’s app works seamlessly with its RealTrends award-winning IDX websites, but you can get the CRM if you already have your web presence set.

Visit Sierra Interactive

Related Article
The 10 Best Real Estate CRMs of 2024


Best General Purpose Real Estate Apps

21. DealCheck

Dealcheck app displayed on a cell phone and monitor
DealCheck interface on multiple platforms (Source: LinkedIn)


  • Pricing:

    Free-$20 per month

With everyone and their grandmother hyping up real estate investing over the last few years, chances are you have at least one buyer who wants to talk cap rates instead of how green the lawn is. If you don’t know a ton about investing, they might even know more than you do. That makes it harder to come across as the real estate expert you are.

DealCheck makes it easy—even if you don’t know your BRRRR from your ARV. The app pulls in data from a various sources so you can quickly rattle off estimated cash flow, cap rates, rent estimates, rehab budgets, and more. Even better, if you’re thinking about working with investors, the app will give you a crash course in analyzing investment properties.

Visit DealCheck


22. Farlex Real Estate Dictionary

Farlex sample definitions (Source: Google Play Store)


  • Pricing:

    Free

A user-friendly and comprehensive guide to all sorts of real estate terms, this app is a must-have for every agent. Backed by McGraw-Hill, you can consider this a guide to those words you may have forgotten from your licensing test, like “capture rate” and “net operating income.” This app is completely free and available on both iPhone and Android devices.

Check Out Farlex in the Google Play Store


23. Showami

Showami logo.


  • Pricing:

    Free-$50 per year for individual agents

Showami is a simple solution to a modern-day problem. You’ve got two active buyer clients who want to see a home on Saturday afternoon. Instead of frantically searching for a qualified agent to help you with a showing, you can just input your request into Showami. You’ll be connected with a verified local agent to assist with your showing. You have complete control over pricing and can ensure a reputable agent takes care of your clients. 

The app is highly rated, simple to use, and free to sign up. It’s better to make a profile and not need it than scramble to find someone in just a couple of hours. Plus, you can sign up to be a “Showing Assistant” to make some extra pocket money by showing homes for other agents in the area.

Visit Showami

24. MLS Touch

MLS Touch interface.
MLS Touch interface (Source: Corelogic)

Unlike a specific MLS app with a 2.3 rating on Apple’s App Store, MLS Touch has quietly taken over as the number one choice for boards across the country. One scroll through the app, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a joy to use. MLS Touch is more than just a pretty face, though. It has features Realtors have been clamoring for years, like neighborhood search, school search, comps, hot sheets, flood zone maps, and even a tool that lets you publish listings on Facebook. 

Sadly, MLS Touch is only sold to associations. So, if yours still uses that other app, you’re out of luck. We’re just happy that real estate technology seems to be finally coming out of the dark ages. Here’s hoping we get more cool apps like MLS Touch in 2024.

Visit MLS Touch


25. Connecteam

Connecteam logo


  • Pricing:

    Free-$99 per month

Connecteam is a cool product that will help you manage your time and operations for your business. The small business plan is free and has an operations and communications hub for up to 10 users. There are great features like a time clock, forms, quick tasks, a group chat, a directory, events, and even HR features like recognitions, time off, and celebrations. 

If you’ve got a team or even just an assistant, this could be a great option to get your business organized and operationally efficient.

Visit Connecteam


26. Bubble Level App (aka Spirit Level)

screenshot of bubble level app
Bubble Level interface (Source: Google Play Store)


  • Pricing:

    Free

Here’s one for agents constantly showing pre-war listings that need a little TLC. Is that door frame level, or is it the floor that’s wonky? Instead of guessing or raiding the contractor’s toolbox, just pull out your phone and get a quick reading. 

The Bubble Level app will serve you well if you’re on Android. If you’re on iOS, you have a bubble level built in. The only problem is that it’s kind of hidden. Here’s a quick rundown of how to find it.

Visit Bubble Level App


27. Karl’s Mortgage Calculator

Karl’s Mortgage Calculator interface.
Karl’s Mortgage Calculator interface (Source: Google Play)


  • Pricing:

    Free

There are a lot of mortgage calculators out there, but this is by far the best of the ones we’ve tried. It’s quick, effortless to use, and has very minimal advertising. Now, it doesn’t have a fancy user interface. However, this does all the hard work for you on the fly. You can add in costs like PMI, HOA fees, taxes, and insurance. It also supports fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages.

The best part is that it’s 100% free on iOS and Android devices. You can pay a few bucks to remove the ads, but they don’t impact the experience.

Try Karl’s Mortgage Calculator Yourself

📌   Pro Tip

Organize your apps in a real estate-specific folder for quick and easy access.

28. BrokerAssist

screenshot of BrokerAssist website
BrokerAssist advertisement (Source: Google Play)


  • Pricing:

    30

BrokerAssist is a one-stop shop for referrals and quick gigs requiring a licensed real estate professional. Need to run keys to a listing? Open up a listing for a contractor? Refer an out-of-town client? BrokerAssist is a great way to hire out—or get hired for—real estate work within your brokerage or other brokerages in your association.

Visit BrokerAssist


29. Forewarn

forewarn app logo


  • Pricing:

    $20 per month (enterprise pricing available)

In slow markets, speed to lead goes from a best practice to a necessity. If you aren’t willing to show on a buyer’s or renter’s schedule, there are 10 other agents who will be more than happy to jump at the opportunity. The problem is safety. Meeting a stranger alone in an empty property—no matter the time of day or neighborhood—can be risky. 

Forewarn offers agents an easy way to screen leads so they can accept more showings. Using just an incoming phone number, Forewarn can instantly pull up the lead’s real name, criminal history, current property and vehicle ownership, and even bankruptcy history.

Visit Forewarn

📌   Pro Tip

Did you know you can save a favorite webpage as an app on your phone? Just visit the website you want to save and tap the share or menu icon. Tap “Add to Home Screen” and now you can access it in one click. Try it out with The Close!


Best Productivity Apps

30. monday.com

monday.com board view screenhot
monday.com dashboard interface (Source: monday.com)


  • Pricing:

    Free-$19 per month

If you want a free project management app or an endlessly tweakable lightweight CRM, monday.com is a no-brainer. Its secret sauce? Flexibility. If you’re into customizing your workflows, you can find a way to make monday.com do pretty much anything—maybe even replace your CRM. It comes ready with standard CRM features like contact management, in-app calling, automated reminders, and more.

Visit monday.com


31. ChatGPT Mobile App

ChatGPT App Store interface (Source: ChatGPT App Store)


  • Pricing:

    Free or $20 per month for GPT-4

ChatGPT has surpassed 100 million users, and for good reason. While you might not consider this a real estate agent app, it’s worth looking at if you haven’t used this generative artificial intelligence tool yet. Beyond creating recipes and poems, you can use it to level up your business. Ask ChatGPT questions like “Help me brainstorm ways to generate leads.” 

You can also use ChatGPT to help you with all sorts of written tasks. Think: helping with emails, listing descriptions, brainstorming blog posts, and even generating scripts to role play and practice for an important listing appointment. The best part is that it’s 100% free. You can subscribe to Plus for access to GPT-4, but the free version is still extremely useful.

Visit ChatGPT


32. Notion

Notion workspace organization interface.
Notion workspace organization interface (Source: Notion)


  • Pricing:

    Free-$18 per month

Notion is a connected workspace solution to stay organized with your various clients, tasks, lists, meetings, and even your knowledge base. It can be your central hub for your workspace to keep your work streamlined and as easy as possible. Use Notion to organize your business instead of keeping things in separate apps. 

Plus, Notion artificial intelligence (AI) can help you stay on top of your work by helping you write better, find your info from a meeting or calendar, and even autofill tables and lists to simplify your work.

Visit Notion

33. CamScanner

camscanner graphic of features and phone
CamScanner app interface (Source: BBC)


  • Pricing:

    Free-$4.99 per month

The smartphone era has brought us some amazing things. We not only have access to the entirety of human knowledge in our back pocket but a still camera, video camera, and motion sensor. But sometimes, you need a tool to optimize these advancements for your business. 

With CamScanner, scan documents on the go and use their optical character recognition technology to convert the text on your scans into a machine-readable form. That way, the data you capture is easier to process, edit, and search.

Visit CamScanner


34. RPR Mobile

RPR mobile property search displayed on a cell phone
RPR in-app geographic map interface (Source: RPR Mobile)


  • Pricing:

    Free for NAR members

A wholly owned subsidiary of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Realtors Property Resource’s app helps Realtors parse and access property data for showings, comparative market analyses, research, and more.

RPR Mobile remains one of the best ways to keep your clients informed on the go. Out to lunch with a buyer and want to pull up a list of new three-bedroom listings in a particular ZIP code? RPR lets you draw custom polygon search areas to target even the smallest micro-neighborhood.

Visit RPR Mobile


35. Dotloop

dotloop displayed on a cell phone
Dotloop in-app transaction interface (Source: Dotloop Mobile)


  • Pricing:

    $31.99 per month

Over the past few years, the transaction management platform Dotloop has slowly become the dominant player in the industry. Since competition in the enterprise space is fierce, Dotloop smartly released a free version for individual agents. But you’ll only be able to create 10 free real estate transactions before upgrading, so it’s more of a free trial for those invested in it for the long haul.

Visit Dotloop


36. Dropbox

Drop box app displayed on 3 cell phones
Dropbox in-app interface (Source: Dropbox)


  • Pricing:

    Free-$24 per user, per month

Dropbox is a super simple app that lets you store files on the go. It’s so common among agents nowadays that most have it on their phones. The free version limits you to only 2GB storage and access on three devices. Still, paid plans offer advanced security features, offline file access, and the ability to request signatures, for example.

Visit Dropbox


37. Agently

agently logo

Agently saves you valuable time by helping you automate your social media with AI. Plus, you can track your activities and productivity directly in the app, shared with your broker. It’s a great way to stay on track.

Visit Agently


Apps to Watch

38. REAL Messenger (Update)

frederick Ecklund holding up a call phone with the REAL Messenger app on it
Fredrik Eklund advertising REAL (Source: Forbes)

In our last update to this article, we couldn’t help but include REAL Messenger on our list. This real estate agent app seemed tailor-made for success: an exclusive club where buyers, sellers, and agents can network around high-end pocket listings. They even had celebrity real estate agent Fredrik Eklund running the show. So, how has it fared since our last update?

As of September 2023, REAL has reached over 350,000 downloads with access to more than 90% of listings in the United States. It seems to have hit its stride in its mission to “connect and empower the real estate community through technology.” In fact, REAL made waves in 2023 by announcing it was listed on NASDAQ with a valuation of $150 million. We’re excited to see the journey continue.

Visit REAL Messenger


39. 1060 App

screenshot of 1050 app website
1060 app example (Source: 1060)


  • Pricing:

    TBD

The 1060 App is another new social-media-meets-real-estate app to watch. Endorsed by real estate luminaries like Jason Oppenheim, Tomer Fridman, and the Sean McPeak team at SERHANT, 1060 takes the high-end pocket listing idea one step further than REAL Messenger. Like TikTok, the videos on the platform are short—under 60 seconds. Just enough to offer a sneak peek of a hot new property. 

It sounds like a TikTok clone for real estate, right? Not so fast. The app has one killer feature that TikTok lacks: property search. Buyers on the app can search for homes based on criteria like price, number of bedrooms, neighborhood, or even keywords. Pretty cool, right?

Visit 1060 App


What Are Real Estate Apps?

Real estate apps are programs designed for phones and tablets that help real estate professionals and their clients generate leads, market homes, and buy and sell properties. While most real estate apps are mobile versions of websites designed for desktop computers, some, like Curb Hero, were designed specifically as apps for mobile devices.

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Real Estate Apps 

Even though our team has over 50 years of combined real estate experience, choosing the best apps wasn’t easy. To ensure we were using objective measures instead of just our opinions, we asked these questions to choose our picks for the best real estate apps for our readers:

  • Utility: Seek out apps that address practical challenges you’re already facing. You want to improve and streamline your workflows, not make your work harder. 
  • Pricing: Opt for apps that offer you value. While affordability is key, you should also consider the potential return on investment (ROI). If an app or feature upgrade is pricey but will boost your efficiency (or your leads), it might be worth the investment. 
  • Ease of use: Focus on choosing apps with user-friendly interfaces. We’ve done our best to find apps that have an intuitive design. Again, focus on your real estate tasks rather than learning a complex new app. 
  • Network effect: Prioritize apps widely used and recommended by the real estate community. After all, a larger user base usually means better support and a more stable app experience. 
  • Stability: Ensure the apps you rely on are stable and function smoothly. They should have minimal bugs, crashes, or technical issues. We’re looking to enhance your business—not disrupt it.

Our team regularly reviews and edits our articles to ensure we provide our readers with the most up-to-date information. We pride ourselves on an independent, editorial view. We do not accept money, services, or products in exchange for positive reviews or placement. Check out our complete methodology here.


Over to You

What real estate apps do you use daily to stay effective and close more deals? Let us know in the comment section.

The post The 39 Best Apps for Real Estate Agents (Including 2 to Watch) in 2024 appeared first on The Close.

2830 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, Aerial

This 9,625 SF San Francisco home in Pacific Heights is represented by Max Armour of Compass.

2830 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco
6 BED | 6 BATH | 2 HBA | Offered at $35,000,000

2830 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco - Stairwell
Photographer: Brad Knipstein

Built in 1910, 2830 Pacific Avenue has been fully restored and modernized to capture the original integrity of the home’s Georgian Colonial architecture while ushering it into the 21st-century. The current owners honored the home’s past while creating their version of a private family oasis in the heart of San Francisco’s captivating Pacific Heights.

2830 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco - Kitchen
Photographer: Brad Knipstein

An elegant and peaceful refuge nestled within a vibrant city, the renowned Pacific Heights district runs alongside infamous hills that rise from the Marina and run along an east-west ridge between the Presidio and Van Ness Avenue and encompass the most iconic views of the Bay. This sophisticated enclave is home to some of the city’s stunning architecture styles, record breaking homes along Billionaire’s Row, world-renowned Michelin Star restaurants, and borders the serene natural beauty of Presidio National Park. 

2830 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco - Front Door
Photographer: Brad Knipstein

Sparing no expense, this elegant 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom, and 2 half-bathroom residence was restored using only the highest quality craftsmanship and millwork. From the marble front steps past the columned entry to the grand staircase, to the soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and elongated sight lines, the home’s unparalleled scale and elegant symmetry capture the essence of a well lived life.

2830 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco - View Deck
Photographer: Brad Knipstein

Abundant natural light, garden outlooks, and unobstructed views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge give 2830 Pacific Avenue a sense of calmness and offers a tranquil, private reprieve from the dynamic city just outside your front door. 

2830 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco - Video Thumbnail

Watch the video tour here.
Learn more at www.2830pacificavenue.com


About Max Armour

In Max’s two decades of experience, he’s built a reputation as an agent who delivers value in every transaction by giving each client everything he has. His professionalism, work ethic, and drive have led to him being consistently ranked in the top 1% of San Francisco real estate agents for over a decade. Instilled with youthful energy and unrelenting dedication, he’s a sought-after agent and expert at garnering exposure in San Francisco’s highly-competitive market, with over $1.5 billion in sales for clients in his career.

Max blends an innovative approach—constantly evolving and utilizing the latest trends in real estate—with a focus on truly understanding each client’s unique priorities. Whether you’re buying or selling, he understands that in a time of transition, you need someone who will exercise discretion, while turning over every stone to ensure your success.

As a Russian Hill native and Northside expert, Max has unparalleled understanding of the city’s niched neighborhoods and nuanced microclimates. He enlists his extensive network of relationships and deep knowledge of every neighborhood, street, and house in the area to stay ahead of the game and deliver value for his clients.

Listed by Max Armour
415.290.6058
max.armour@compass.com
DRE 01446122

The post Historic Home Allures in San Francisco’s Iconic Gold Coast first appeared on California Real Estate Blog.